Nordics to assist developing countries on climate

Wednesday, 20 May 2009 12:19

The ministers for Nordic co-operation have agreed a new remit for the Helsinki-based Nordic Development Fund (NDF), which will concentrate on funding climate investments in poor developing countries.

"The ministers have decided to amend the remit of the NDF. It is a political decision that will lead to tangible actions to confront global challenges. The decision to concentrate on climate investments is a sign that the Nordic countries continue to assume responsibility for helping those with the greatest need in the developing world. It also represents a major success for Nordic inter-parliamentary co-operation. Without the pressure exerted by the Nordic Council, the outcome would probably have been different," comments the Director of the Nordic Council, Jan-Erik Enestam.

The development ministers recommended winding up the NDF in 2005 when the countries failed to reach agreement on subsidising its budget. The change of heart by the co-operation ministers follows a reassessment of the issue by the owners and, in particular, discussions by the Nordic Council.