UNEP & DNV GL Partner to Combat Climate Change

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) & DNV GL inform they have joined in a new strategic partnership, designed to assist the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), hosted by UNEP, aiming to improve access to climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies in developing countries.

The Norwegian Government will support the CTCN with NOK 60 mill. in the period 2013-2015.

The partnership announcement is being made during a meeting between UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner and the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Børge Brende together with the CTCN Director, Jukka Uosukainen, and DNV GL Chief Sustainability Officer, Bjørn K. Haugland.

“Replacing current technologies with cleaner, low-carbon alternatives is a vital part of tackling the causes and effects of climate change. The strategic partnership between CTCN and DNV GL will play a vital role in accelerating the use of new technologies in improving the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in developing countries who are dealing with the impacts of climate change on a daily basis," says Mr. Steiner.

Through the partnership, DNV GL will support CTCN operations by utilizing its extensive experience in technology transfer, knowledge management and capacity building. DNV GL will also facilitate the engagement of the private sector in the Centre’s Network in order to stimulate technology cooperation among developed and developing countries. The Network will create a space for exchange and technical collaboration with developing countries on thematic areas such as agriculture, energy, forestry, industry, and water.

“We are pleased to support the CTCN through our technical capabilities and global networks, “says DNV GL Group President & CEO Henrik O. Madsen. “We support its vision to lead the world towards a low-carbon and climate resilient future. Indeed, we have decided to invest our time and resources in this initiative as it is closely linked to our own vision of creating a safe and sustainable future through safer, greener and smarter growth. We will focus our efforts on the CTCN’s call for a confluence of technology, knowledge management, and stakeholder involvement skills.  We believe   a close collaboration with the private sector will be essential for the success of the technology mechanism.”

Since its launch in late 2013, 93 countries have established national CTCN focal points (known as National Designated Entities) that collaborate with country stakeholders to develop and relay requests to the Climate Technology Centre’s vast network of regional and sectoral experts from academia, the private sector, and public and research institutions. Representatives from 74 countries have been trained by the CTCN through regional trainings across Africa, Asia and Latin America.

About the CTCN 

The Climate Technology Centre & Network facilitates the transfer of climate technologies by providing technical assistance, improving access to technology knowledge, and fostering collaboration among climate technology stakeholders. The CTCN is the operational arm of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism and is hosted by UNEP in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and 11 independent, regional organizations with expertise in climate technologies.