Is the GNU losing rhythm on climate action? A reflection of the strategic development plan

THE 2025 -2030 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), which was published earlier this year, should for all intents and purpose serve as last-mile five-year implementation blueprint towards the realisation of National Development Plan (NDP) Vison 2030.

- YURI RAMKISSOON

Though a nobly thought-out expression of legislative and policy priorities for the Government of National Unity (GNU), the MTDP remains a rebrand of its forebearer, the Mid-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) but equally a useful platform for the state machinery to deliver a common programme of nation building, economic growth and societal development. Most importantly it’s a tool to guide short and medium-term plans and the allocation of public resources.

A perfunctory review of the MTDP shows that there is cognisance of the need for urgent need for climate action and also a need for a just transition, whilst maintaining socioeconomic development.

The MTDP deals with the just transition under Strategic Priority One, which aims to drive inclusive growth and job creation, articulated through the lens of energy security and an energy transition.

The MTDP supports the just transition principles, economic diversification and skills development.

The MTDP makes specific mention of the just transition as part the country’s sustainable development commitments.

Its states that the application of the Just Transition Framework, Just Energy Transition Investment Plan and Implementation Plan “will be prioritised and accelerated,” noting that “climate change is a shared global challenge with significant short-, medium-, and long-term socioeconomic implications.”