#theme:governance

The United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) 2011/2012 annual report outlines UNDP’s field programmes and its contributions to raising awareness and changing policy. The report describes activities and achievements under each of UNDP’s four focal areas: poverty reduction and achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); democratic governance; crisis prevention and recovery; and environment and sustainable development, including access to sustainable energy. Each chapter also includes a section spotlighting a UNDP initiative, such as increasing public consultations in Vietnam, rebuilding in Haiti and reviving mangroves in Senegal. Moreover, the report highlights UNDP's efforts to help countries adopt initiatives to increase access to sustainable energy and combat climate change.

Donors increasingly recognize the important role that local/non-state actors play in the provision of justice and security services in many of the world's fragile and (post-)conflict countries. However, it is proving challenging to include such actors in support for justice and security development programmes. This report looks at how to effectively support local/non-state security and justice actors and includes three case-studies (Burundi, South Kivu in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and Colombia). It concludes that supporting such actors is possible, and might generate positive effects for human security in the short to intermediate term, but that such support requires: a willingness from donors to take risks; a focus on ensuring linkages between local/non-state actors and the security and justice agencies of the central state; communication, advocacy and knowledge management strategies; flexible and innovative funding mechanisms; and a focus on accountability mechanisms.

This study examines how energy needs for human and economic development can be met in a way that is compatible with long-term sustainable development at the global scale. It pulls together insights from global energy and sustainability scenarios, case studies of socio-technical transformation of energy systems on both the supply and demand sides, and reviews of policy mechanisms and governance frameworks. The report argues that there is a need for transparency in how climate finance and Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) commitments contribute to investment in sustainable energy for all, particularly in developing countries. It also calls for a shared global development agenda in which energy goals are set as sustainable development goals.

This policy brief examines the gender dimensions of climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the context of Vietnam. It is argued that women in Vietnam are active actors in CCA and DRR, and their concerns and contributions in a variety of spheres should be reflected in related policies and actions. Currently, there is a lack of awareness regarding gender equality aspects of CCA and DRR in Vietnam. It is asserted that actions are needed to increase awareness and this should be expressed through tangible political commitments and financing. The brief goes onto to argue that there are valuable lessons to learn from experiences at the local level; moreover, these lessons should be translated to sub-national and national levels, as well as other countries facing similar challenges.

This document was submitted to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), a World Bank programme that aims to assist developing countries with Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+), during November 2011. The FCPF is responsible for the Readiness Fund and a Carbon Fund. The document outlines general information relating to REDD+ in Viet Nam; this includes: progress to-date; the nature of external support required; partners and organizations involved with REDD+ and an assessment of the social and environmental impacts, and potential additional benefits, of REDD+ in Viet Nam.

This policy brief examines the gender dimensions of climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the context of Vietnam. It is argued that women in Vietnam are active actors in CCA & DRR and their concerns and contributions in a variety of spheres should be reflected in related policies and actions. Currently, there is a lack of awareness regarding gender equality aspects of CCA and DRR in Vietnam. It is asserted that actions are needed to increase awareness and this should be expressed through tangible political commitments and financing. The brief goes onto to argue that there are valuable lessons to learn from experiences at the local level; moreover, these lessons should be translated to sub-national and national levels, as well as other countries facing similar challenges.

This comprehensive work book provides tips on urban adaptation drawn from efforts to boost climate resilience in cities in Vietnam. It has been produced by the World Bank Group and is intended to assist policymakers in developing countries plan for anticipated impacts of climate change. The work book is designed to provide a user-friendly, step-by-step approach to national, provincial and local planning. It is argued that the potential impacts of natural disasters and climate change should be considered in nearly every aspect of urban planning and development.

This report, published by the Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCN), summarizes climate resilience plans for Quy Nhon City, Vietnam. The report is comprised of three parts. The first section examines potential climate change impacts and areas of vulnerability within Quy Nhon. The following section discusses plans to improve the city’s resilience to each of the potential climate impacts outlined in the previous section. The final section outlines key priority areas within the city and lists climate change resilience actions groups operating within the region.