UN praises Sri Lanka’s green initiatives, opens doors for new climate financing

Colombo, July 9 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has gained international recognition for its climate action initiatives and environmental programmes, with the United Nations commending the country’s efforts to engage youth in environmental conservation.

Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said Sri Lanka’s green initiatives received global attention during his participation at the 9th Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) Committee on Environment and Development held in Bangkok, Thailand, from June 30 to July 4.

A press briefing was held yesterday (9) at the Government Information Department to highlight the benefits gained by Sri Lanka through the official visit. Environment Ministry Secretary K.R. Uduwawala, Additional Secretaries Anjali Kumaragama and Udayakumara also participated in the event.

The Deputy Minister said Sri Lanka was represented at three high-level United Nations forums and bilateral discussions, where the country reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

At the 7th Global SDG Conference organised by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), Sri Lanka presented its latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0: 2026–2035), highlighting key climate strategies.

Among the initiatives presented were the target of generating 70% of electricity through renewable energy sources, the electrification of the transport sector and the promotion of climate-resilient smart agriculture.

Sri Lanka also highlighted its plans to develop a blue economy and carbon market mechanisms through the protection of mangroves and coastal ecosystems during the UNESCAP Committee session and the High-Level Dialogue on Blue Carbon Financing.

The country also requested technical assistance for improving air quality monitoring systems and strengthening environmental management capacity.

Meanwhile, discussions with the UNEP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific created opportunities to obtain strategic support for Sri Lanka’s National Environmental Literacy Index, youth leadership programmes and plastic pollution control initiatives.

The Ministry of Environment’s national programme to involve youth in environmental activities received special recognition from the UNEP Asia-Pacific Region, with the initiative being praised as an important step towards strengthening youth participation in climate action.

Deputy Minister Jayakody said the international engagement helped Sri Lanka showcase the environmental challenges faced by the island nation while demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development.

He added that the discussions have created new opportunities to attract green investments, climate financing and international technical assistance, including support through future Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) projects targeting air pollution and plastic waste management.