On November 12, 2022, as a member of the Joint Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) Pavilion at the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, the New Development Bank (NDB) hosted a side event on “Leveraging Climate Finance for a Just Transition in South Africa.”
Organized jointly with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), this high-level event examined South Africa’s vision and efforts to shift to an equitable, net-zero economy. It highlighted the challenges and opportunities for development finance institutions (DFIs) to support South Africa and other developing countries in making a just transition towards low-emission developmental trajectories.
Climate change has already caused enormous damage to South Africa’s infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods, and the effects have been particularly harmful to the vulnerable and poor communities, especially those in informal settlements. Addressing climate change in South Africa is therefore not only about mitigation and adaptation, but also about ensuring social inclusion and equality.
Whilst responding to the impact of climate change on its environment, community and economy at large, South Africa has proactively analysed the phenomenon of transition and established a framework that will function as a strategic guide towards achieving an equitable, net-zero emission growth. In August 2022, South Africa reached a landmark milestone with a Just Transition Framework approved by the Cabinet.
Against this backdrop, the event focused on the following topics:
- The role of different stakeholders, especially DFIs, in supporting the transition to low-emission and climate-resilient economies with a specific focus on the implementation of South Africa’s Just Transition Framework
- Priority areas for policy development and financing to support just transition in South Africa
- Key lessons from South Africa’s experience in developing and implementing its vision for just transition
- Examples of replicable projects, partnerships and initiatives by DFIs in support of just transition
Agenda
Saturday, November 12, 2022
9:15 am to 10:30 am Egypt Time (GMT+2)
Time |
Session Overview |
|---|---|
| Moderator: Mr. Leslie Maasdorp, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, New Development Bank | |
| 9:15 |
Opening remarks• Mr. Leslie Maasdorp, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, New Development Bank |
| 9:20 |
Just Transition in South Africa• Dr. Crispian Olver, Executive Director, Presidential Climate Commission, South Africa • Ms. Joanne Bate, Chief Operations Officer, Industrial Development Corporation and Commissioner, Presidential Climate Commission, South Africa |
| 9:35 |
Showcasing DFI Initiatives in Support of Just Transition in South Africa• Ms. Catherine Koffman, Group Executive Project Preparation, Development Bank of Southern Africa • Dr. Daniel Schroth, Director, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, African Development Bank |
| 9:50 |
Climate Finance and Private Capital Mobilization for Just Transition• Mr. Vikram Widge, Senior Advisor, Climate Policy Initiative |
| 9:55 |
Panel Discussion and Q&A |
| 10:25 |
Concluding remarks• Mr. Anil Kishora, Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, New Development Bank
|
| 10:30 |
End of Program |