“The Belgian Development Cooperation will focus on two matters in the coming years: human rights and sustainable economic development. If we want developing countries to be able to manage themselves, they have to strengthen their economic fabric. But economic development and climate action need to go hand in hand - in developing countries too. Through the Green Climate Fund we support developing countries in their pursuit of economic growth, making it sustainable."

Sustainable economic development

"In the coming years I will also ensure that the Belgian development policy constantly assesses the climate impact of its interventions. If we want to make countries autonomous, they need to develop economically. But this economic development has to be sustainable. Otherwise our efforts will be in vain."

De Croo also points out that least developed countries are hit hardest by climate change. "Phenomena such as desertification, floods and droughts are affecting sustainable development. Developing countries are often much more dependent on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture. That’s why ecological disasters have a direct impact on food security and economic development.”

World Climate Conference

The federal government made its contribution known during the Lima World Climate Conference. De Croo hopes that the regions also come to an agreement on a pledge to the GCF. "What is at stake is the future and the development opportunities of million people, often in the most vulnerable situations.”

See also: "Belgium's regions still bickering about Green Climate Fund" - Flanders News.be