The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has renewed its commitment to support Zimbabwe in turning the outcomes of recent global climate talks into tangible national action.
Speaking at a post-COP30 stakeholder feedback workshop today at the Harare International Conference Center (HICC), UNDP Representative, Constance Pepukai said Zimbabwe was at a “strategic moment” following the conclusion of the 30th Conference of Parties to the UN climate convention, with key policy instruments now ready for implementation.
“Zimbabwe now stands at a strategic moment. The NDC3.0 and the National Adaptation Plan are ready for full operationalisation, creating a strong basis for implementing post-COP30 actions,” Pepukai said.
She identified climate finance as the most critical enabler for implementation, noting that COP30 placed renewed emphasis on scaling up financial ambition.
“Climate finance remains the biggest enabler. UNDP was already supporting Zimbabwe through the Green Climate Fund Readiness Project, the Climate Finance Facility, BIOFIN and a range of private-sector financial instruments,” Pepukai stated.
Pepukai stressed that adaptation and resilience could no longer be treated as optional.
“Adaptation and resilience are non-negotiable. Zimbabwe’s National Adaptation Plan and NDC3.0 priorities were well aligned with the global push to scale up adaptation ambition under the COP30 outcomes,” the UNDP representative noted.
She also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in accessing climate finance and tracking progress.
“Transparency and reporting definitely matter. UNDP’s continued support in strengthening Zimbabwe’s measurement, reporting and verification systems, including enhanced transparency framework and climate data management systems,” Pepukai added.
She further highlighted the need for a whole-of-society approach to climate action, calling for stronger participation from government, the private sector, academia, youth and civil society.
“COP30 underscored the need for inclusive climate governance,” Pepukai indicated.
Looking ahead to COP31, Pepukai said UNDP would continue supporting Zimbabwe through practical adaptation investments, strengthened transparency systems and the mobilisation of innovative climate finance, particularly at a time when global development finance was under pressure.
“Together, let us translate the outcomes of COP30 into meaningful action, investment and resilience for all Zimbabweans,” she said.
Meanwhile, the outcomes of COP30 were closely aligned with Zimbabwe’s development priorities, particularly mitigation, adaptation, transparency and climate finance, which underpin Vision 2030 and the country’s National Development Strategies.
