Second National Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Energy Transition 
Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security 
(PI-CREF) 
Bintumani Conference Centre, Freetown
4th & 5th November 2024

Statement by UNDP RR, Mr. Fredrick Hans Ampiah

Courtesies

H.E. the President, Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio,  
Hon. Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh,  
Chairman of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security,  
Hon. Members of Parliament,  
Hon. Ministers of Government,  
Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps,  
Invited Guests,  
Members of the Fourth Estate,  
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is both an honour and a privilege to be here at the second National Dialogue on Climate Resilience and Energy Transition. As we convene to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change, we recognize the necessity of our collective efforts to identify innovative solutions that enhance resilience and ensure a sustainable future for all.

One year ago, in October 2023, friends, development partners, and Sierra Leoneans gathered for the inaugural National Climate Resilience and Energy Transition Dialogue. The UNDP was privileged to be associated with this proactive step by the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, Renewable Energy and Food Security (PI-CREF) . Today, we are gathered for the 2nd edition of this very important dialogue, and as we look forward to the updates from key speakers and His Excellency, I am encouraged by preliminary briefings from my team, indicating significant progress. Notable outcomes include the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JET-P), the Green Growth Investment Plan (GGIP), the Clean Cooking Strategy and Action Plan, and the establishment of a Climate Finance Unit and Energy Innovation Hub.

The second National Dialogue inevitably raises important questions and issues for all of us as partners in development including the private sector: to mention but a few, particularly in advancing thematic focus areas where we are UNDP can play a role. 

These are :
1. Green Industrialization for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
2. Energy Transition, Access, and Critical Minerals
3. Climate Resilient Food Systems
4. Energy Transition and Gender Empowerment.

Your Excellency, Ladies and gentlemen, The transition to a green economy cannot be merely an aspiration; it is an urgent necessity. UNDP is committed to supporting Sierra Leone in its journey toward green industrialization, which will create sustainable jobs, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance adaptive capacities. This is because by promoting clean technologies and sustainable practices, we can support small and medium processing-enterprises and industries mitigate their environmental impact and adapt to the realities of a changing climate, and build a resilient industrial base that thrives in harmony with our ecosystems.

Access to sustainable energy is a fundamental right that must be realized for all. UNDP advocates for an equitable energy transition that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable, including women, the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. We also recognize the critical role of minerals and renewable energy technologies in this transition. By fostering responsible mining practices and ensuring local communities’ benefit, we can pave the way for inclusive and equitable energy access.

Food security is intricately linked to climate resilience. We are committed to promoting climate-resilient food systems that not only address the impact of climate change but also enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. Through initiatives like FEED Salone, we look forward to partnering with other UN agencies and partners to support innovative agricultural practices, strengthen value agriculture chains, and empower smallholder farmers, ensuring our food systems are robust and capable of withstanding climate shocks.

The energy transition also presents a unique opportunity to empower women and promote gender equality. UNDP recognizes that women are key agents of change in climate resilience and energy access. By integrating gender perspectives into our energy initiatives, we ultimately ensure that women have equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from the transition to sustainable energy. Empowering women strengthens communities, drives innovation, and enhances the effectiveness of our climate actions.

Your Excellency Sir, UNDP assures your government and the people of Sierra Leone of our continued facilitation role in climate resilience and energy transition in Sierra Leone. We are committed to mobilizing climate finance at both local and international levels, collaborating closely with the Climate Finance Unit. Additionally, we will engage with the government to accelerate efforts in integrating climate adaptation and mitigation measures into national development strategies.

To highlight a few of our initiatives: in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, UNDP Accelerator Lab has established the Youth Innovation Hub to accelerate grassroots youth-led solutions to climate change. Furthermore, we have supported the establishment of weather stations across the country in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency and have empowered community organizations and women-led groups to develop sustainable practices such as producing clean cooking stoves.

Through our GEF Small Grants Programme and Growth Accelerator, we continue to provide funding for local initiatives focused on climate change adaptation and mitigation. Our strategic partnerships with international financial institutions further enhance our commitment to engage with key thematic areas to be discussed today.
In conclusion, at the United Nations Development Programme, we believe our role is to catalyze meaningful change and foster partnerships that drive progress in climate resilience and energy transition. The theme of today’s dialogue are interconnected and vital for our future, and we are committed to working alongside governments, civil society, and the private sector to turn our shared vision into reality. Together, we can forge a path toward a resilient, sustainable, and equitable future for all.

Thank you for your attention!