VIENNA, 17th March, 2023 (WAM) — The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved more than US$300 million in new financing in the first quarter of 2023, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fulfilling its Climate Action Plan. Three out of the four projects approved by the OPEC Fund’s Governing Board directly support climate finance. OFID Director-General Dr. Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said, “The OPEC Fund is proud to deliver on its climate commitments and ensure a positive impact on people and the planet. These efforts will aid our partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America to enhance their climate policies while boosting resilience to climate change. At the same time, our work on access to energy and road infrastructure underlines our continued dedication to improving people’s lives worldwide.” The OPEC Fund adopted its first dedicated Climate Action Plan in September 2022. The plan commits the organisation to increase the share of its climate financing to 40 percent of all new financing by 2030 and to mainstream climate action into the project cycle, increasing climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience investments in energy, transport, agriculture, food, water and smart cities. The OPEC Fund Governing Board approved different projects, including a, 50 million loan to Armenia to support policies for increasing climate resilience and mitigation through a series of reforms concerning energy efficiency and air quality standards and to finance environmental impact assessments. US$150 million loan to Colombia to support policies for the promotion of sustainable and resilient growth by fostering the government’s capacity to plan climate action and promote energy transition. A $100 million loan to India to help finance a 56 km ring road around one of the country’s largest cities, serving a population of more than 4 million people. The financing will also be supported by a $410,000 grant, which will contribute to project preparation and implementation. nother project to Seychelles with a $20 million loan to help the country strengthen policies to promote inclusive and sustainable growth. Among the planned actions are climate-related reforms to land development, consumer data protection and fishing regulations.
Source: Emirates News Agency