WGEO signs MoU with Palau nto advance green economy

The World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of the Republic of Palau at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), in line with its commitment to advancing the green economy and supporting the climate action globally.

The MoU was signed by Surangel Whipps Jr, President of the Republic of Palau, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO.

The agreement aims to foster low-carbon solutions and safeguard natural resources, with a special focus on ocean conservation, which holds vital significance for Palau as a leading Small Island Developing State (SIDS).

Through this partnership, WGEO and Palau aim to create a blueprint for sustainable growth that considers both national and regional goals, ultimately making an impactful contribution to global sustainability efforts.

Reflecting on this milestone, Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, noted, "This partnership with WGEO strengthens Palau’s journey toward sustainability, focusing on critical areas such as ocean conservation and green economy strategies that benefit not only our nation but also the global community.”

Saeed Al Tayer expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "Our collaboration with the Republic of Palau is a testament to our shared commitment to a sustainable global economy. Together, we can elevate the voices of vulnerable nations and realise a vision for a greener, more resilient world.”

The MoU between WGEO and the Government of Palau signifies an ambitious, hopeful agenda that combines regional strengths with global aspirations, setting a strong example for a resilient, low-carbon future. This partnership is poised to inspire a wave of collaboration and commitment from nations worldwide, furthering the movement toward impactful climate action and enduring sustainability.

One essential element of this partnership is the collaboration on green economy projects specifically tailored to address the unique challenges faced by small island nations.

By aligning these projects with Palau’s and other small islands’ needs in their efforts to transition to clean energy, WGEO and Palau seek to pioneer initiatives that inspire other nations to follow suit.

According to the MoU, WGEO will help Palau with access to expertise and best practices from across regions, enabling Palau to scale its green economy projects and promote sustainability.

WGEO will actively promote the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE), assisting Palau to develop its national green economy strategy and hopefully inspiring similar partnerships across the globe in support of small island nations.

This initiative represents a significant push towards embedding green economy practices at the national level, ensuring that sustainable economic models become a foundation for growth and resilience.

The partnership will further extend to high-level advocacy efforts, as WGEO and Palau actively participate in international climate discussions, making joint statements, and hosting global forums to champion low-emission development, green economy goals, and climate resilience. This united front is intended to set an example for other nations, emphasising the importance of collaboration in addressing shared environmental challenges.

Meanwhile, the World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) announced today its support for 11 African cities under the Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa).

This significant initiative was highlighted during a keynote address by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of WGEO, at the WGEO Pavilion in the Blue Zone of Baku Stadium.

The meeting was attended by Jean Pierre Elong Mbassi, the Secretary General of UCLG Africa.
In his address, Al Tayer emphasised the urgency of addressing climate change, stating, "Today, we are not simply initiating an effort but igniting a transformative movement - a movement that will redefine how cities across the continent successfully confront the climate crisis. I am proud to announce the World Green Economy Organisation's (WGEO) support for 11 African cities under the Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative, launched during last year’s World Green Economy Summit (WGES 2023), in partnership with United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa). Together, we are catalysing change, and empowering African cities to become exemplars of climate action and lead the way toward carbon neutrality”.

"In a rapidly urbanising world, cities contribute over 70 percent of global CO2 emissions but are also uniquely positioned to drive transformative change. African cities, particularly in emerging regions, hold significant potential to champion the global green agenda and move us closer to our shared sustainability goals. Climate change is no longer a future threat - it is a present reality affecting millions, particularly in vulnerable communities across Africa. Increasingly frequent extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and climate-related challenges demand immediate, targeted action.

The Carbon Neutral Cities Initiative is WGEO’s response to this urgent need. Through our partnership with UCLG-Africa, we commit to supporting African cities in reducing their carbon footprint, developing sustainable infrastructure, and fostering innovations that benefit both people and the environment,” Al Tayer added.

"WGEO’s partnership with UCLG-AFRICA is designed to address the specific challenges faced by the 11 selected cities as they embark on the journey toward carbon neutrality. Through this initiative, WGEO will provide an integrated assistance tailored to the unique needs of each city. Our approach focuses on building city leaders’ capacity and expertise with the latest tools and best practices in green urban planning and climate resilience, which is highly essential.

We provide technical guidance on green urban planning for sustainable urban growth, low-carbon infrastructure, energy efficiency, and green mobility. Finally, we help cities enhance resilience by supporting nature-based solutions, sustainable water management, and disaster risk reduction strategies,” Al Tayer stated.