DAR ES SALAAM, July 14 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has expressed commitment to support Tanzania in the areas of environment and climate change projects including implementing the clean cooking energy agenda.
UNEP’s Deputy Executive Director, Elizabeth Mrema said her office recognises and values Tanzania’s efforts in preserving environment, including moving the agenda for clean cooking energy.
“Clean cooking is at the forefront of UNDP’s climate and sustainable energy agenda,” Mrema gave an assurance as she met the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Environment) Christina Mndeme in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two had a talk during the 11th annual subcommittee meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives that started on July 8th and concluded yesterday.
Mrema commended the government of Tanzania through the VP’s office for its contribution on issues related to environment throughout the four days of the meeting.
She said Tanzania’s contribution was well received and will be included in the UNEP 2024-2025 strategic plan.
The UNEP’s 11th meeting attracted permanent representatives who reviewed the organisation’s programmes for 2022-2023 and the strategic plan for 2023-2024.
Moreover, the members also reviewed the organisation’s performance especially on issues related to climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity.
Tanzania was represented by Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mndeme and Tanzania Ambassador to Kenya, Dr Bernad Kibesse.
On her part, Mndeme said UNEP has been supporting Tanzania in addressing various challenges related to climate change, including preserving environment.
She asked the organisation to continue supporting Tanzania to implement the clean cooking energy agenda, blue economy, including addressing many other challenges related to environment.
Early May this year, President Samia Suluhu Hassan issued a series of directives aimed at bolstering Tanzania’s clean cooking energy campaign, emphasising the involvement of the private sector in ensuring its success.
Speaking during the launch of the National Clean Energy Strategy for the years 2024-2034 in Dar es Salaam, President Samia underscored the critical importance of promoting clean cooking energy solutions.
She said such efforts are pivotal in preventing the deaths of millions of women and children, fostering social stability and unlocking significant labour market productivity.
The directives issued by President Samia encompass ministry of energy, various sectors and stakeholders, aiming to comprehensively address the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to clean cooking energy.
Reflecting on Tanzania’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by traditional cooking methods, President Samia highlighted the multifaceted benefits of clean cooking energy, underscored its potential to mitigate climate change effects, reduce respiratory diseases and enhance national productivity.
The Head of State emphasised the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in realising the goals outlined in the strategy. — NNN-DAILYNEWS