The LDC Group has developed several initiatives to support the transition towards a climate resilient future. These initiatives focus on several key areas central to LDCs, including access to renewable energy, capacity building in climate research, and development of long term strategies in effective adaptation, resilience and development. Further information on each initiative is outlined below:

LDC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiative for Sustainable Development (LDC REEEI)

The LDC Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Initiative for Sustainable Development, also known as LDC REEEI, outlines a vision of energy for people-centred development that can inspire complementary efforts across the world. The initiative aims to capitalise on the availability of affordable and sustainable renewable energy solutions and promote models of sharing energy that empower communities to take charge of their own futures. As LDC REEEI moves into the implementation stage, we are eager to collaborate with international partners to bring this vision to life.

LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR)

The LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) aims to develop a long term LDC vision for adapting towards a climate resilient future by 2050. The LDC Vision will be in line with LDC needs and priorities and will outline effective adaptation and resilience mechanisms to further build national institutions, domestic systems and capabilities, and wider national efforts to address poverty.

Least Developed Countries Universities Consortium on Climate Change (LUCCC)

LUCCC is a South-South Consortium of 10 Universities from across LDCs to enhance knowledge on climate change through climate capacity building, with a focus on adaptation measures, such as education and research. LUCCC aims to network and develop the capacity of South-South universities to develop common research projects and implement teaching and training programs in different climate change aspects. It is a two-way collaborative capacity building program which will offer help to others and seek support from others to build capacity within LDCs. LUCCC was initiated by the International Centre on Climate Change and Development (ICCCAD) in Bangladesh and Makerere University Centre for Climate Change Research and Innovations (MUCCRI) in Uganda.

Long-Term Strategies

To put the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement into practice, countries are invited to formulate and communicate by 2020 “long-term, low greenhouse gas emission development strategies”. The world’s 47 Least Developed Countries pushed for the Paris Agreement to embrace this long-term outlook, in their belief that ambitious, visionary planning is essential if the world is to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. With the 2020 deadline quickly approaching, LDCs are eager to help raise collective ambition once again and act as a force for transformation, leading by example and using their strong moral voice to catalyse action by others. Some LDCs are now considering preparing their long-term strategies, showing the rest of the world that it is feasible – and beneficial – to operate differently, spearheading a more purposeful, climate-centric development dynamic towards poverty eradication.