The Tunisian government has emphasized the need for significant funding to implement its climate plan, known as Contribution déterminée à l'échelle nationale (CDN 3.0), from 2026 to 2035. The country requires approximately $55 billion, or nearly 164 billion dinars, to achieve its climate goals. This substantial amount is crucial for Tunisia to meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
An national workshop was held at the International Diplomatic Academy in Tunis to discuss ways to accelerate Tunisia's access to climate financing. The event, organized by the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Environment, Finance, and Economy and Planning, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aimed to strengthen coordination among national actors and foreign partners. The goal is to identify mechanisms to mobilize more resources for climate and development projects in Tunisia.
The Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Ali Nafti, highlighted the importance of climate financing, stating that it is not solely an environmental issue but also a matter of development, investment, and economic transformation. He emphasized the need for a new approach, focusing on creating bankable projects that can attract multiple sources of funding. Nafti also stressed that the country's diplomatic network plays a crucial role in mobilizing climate and environmental financing.
The Minister of Environment, Habib Abid, called on foreign partners to support the Green Belt program, which aims to restore 260,000 hectares of degraded land, sequester significant amounts of carbon, and create thousands of green jobs in rural areas. Abid emphasized that climate change is no longer just an environmental challenge but a threat to water, food, and energy security, as well as the country's coastal areas and natural resources.
Rana Taha, the UN Resident Coordinator in Tunisia, emphasized the importance of an integrated approach to climate financing, which involves not only mobilizing funds but also supporting development and growth in the country. She highlighted the need for coordination among different actors to create a hub for cooperation and define actions aligned with national priorities.
Céline Moyroud, Resident Representative of the UNDP in Tunisia, noted that the country has several strengths in areas such as renewable energy, circular economy, and coastal protection. She cited the Prosol thermal program as an example of successful cooperation, which has enabled the installation of one million square meters of solar collectors. Moyroud emphasized that sharing risks and having a common vision can facilitate access to financing.
Tunisia aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 31% and net greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by 2035, compared to 2010 levels. The country is committed to accelerating its energy transition through increased energy efficiency and renewable energy development, with a goal of reaching at least 50% renewable energy in its electricity mix by 2035. The UNDP has reaffirmed its support for Tunisia in achieving its climate ambitions and translating its objectives into concrete results.
Key points
- Tunisia requires $55 billion to implement its climate plan by 2035.
- The country aims to reduce its carbon intensity by 31% and net greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by 2035.
- The UNDP is supporting Tunisia in its efforts to mobilize climate financing and achieve its climate goals.
