Towards a Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Development

Contact :
World Bank Office
Jakarta Stock Exchange Building
Tower 2, 13 Floor,Jl. Jend Sudirman

Randy Salim - 021 5299-3259
rsalim1@worldbank.org

Santi Sugiarti Santobri - 021 5299-3140
ssantobri@worldbank.org

Stakeholders worldwide help shape a new development strategy with eye towards climate change

JAKARTA , April 30, 2008 – The World Bank today held a consultative forum with various stakeholders on a proposed new framework of development assistance for countries facing the triple challenge of growth, poverty reduction and adapting to climate change. The forum is part of a worldwide consultation process spanning 6 regions, and marks the first attempt by any multilateral organization to raise the climate change issue in all sectors of development.

“The proposed framework would allow developing countries like Indonesia to cope with the looming threats of climate change – rises in sea-levels, changing weather patterns, increased uncertainty – as well as take advantage of its opportunities in terms of carbon payments and access to new sources of global financing,” said Joachim von Amsberg, Indonesia Country Director, World Bank.

Towards a Strategic Framework on Climate Change and Development (SFCCD) for the World Bank Group is the name of the concept and issues paper, currently the subject of open global consultations. Stakeholders from all over the world are invited to scrutinize the draft paper and comment on how the World Bank should address climate change within the context of international development. In Indonesia, the consultation was led by Dr. Kulsum Ahmed, Lead Environmental Specialist at the Environment Department of the World Bank Headquarters, who engaged with select members of the government officials, civil society and media. Presidential Advisor Prof. Dr. Emil Salim, who led the Indonesian delegation during the Bali Climate Change Conference in December 200, was also on hand to comment on the SFCCD initiative.

“Eventually, this framework will guide WB Group global efforts, as well as country operations in relation to climate change and development, including policy dialogue, lending , analytical work ,” said Dr. Ahmed.

The initial phase of these consultations will last until June 30, 2008 and take on two different forms:

• Direct consultations – select groups of stakeholders representing government, civil society and mass media will be invited to take part in face-to-face interviews or discussion forums.
• Online consultations – the SFCCD draft paper can be downloaded from all World Bank websites or www.worldbank.org/climateconsult (currently available in 6 languages), while interested parties can also fill out an on-line questionnaire

A final draft paper will then be circulated for further consultations in the summer and finalized and discussed by the Bank’s shareholders in October 2008. However, the SFCCD will continue to be informed during implementation through consultations and monitoring and evolve based on this feedback and learning, as well as new developments, over the coming months and years.

To read more about the World Bank’s support for Indonesia visit: www.worldbank.org/id