Tehran – Currently, UNDP activities in Iran are concentrated in four key areas including social and economic welfare, health, the environment and disaster risk reduction.
Authorities made statements in response to the ceremony held during the 20-year partnership between UNDP and welfare organizations, Mehr’s news agency reported.
“One of the main tasks of the UN Development Programme is to promote successful models from other countries and introduce them to welfare organisations. We are trying to ensure the necessary financial resources to support the activities being carried out in Iran.”
Top priorities for UNDPs in economic and social welfare areas include conducting research, supporting micro and small businesses, and improving social and economic well-being for at-risk groups, such as female head heads and vulnerable youth.
Health is the second area of work, and involves fighting infectious and non-communicable diseases. Here, UNDP works closely with other UN agencies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The third area is the environment. UNDP seeks to protect the country’s natural resources, wetlands and biodiversity. It also helps to meet the impacts of climate change in accordance with international standards.
Officials continue, saying the energy sector is focusing on the use of renewable resources. Currently, Iran uses 1% of its potential for renewable energy such as solar, wind and water.
“We hope to leverage our national and international capabilities to develop solar energy at various centres, including health,” said Medagangoda Rabe.
The fourth region of domestic UNDP activities is disaster risk reduction. The successful experience of reducing sand and sandstorms is a prime example of cooperation in this sector, officials further noted.
Recent collaborations
In March, the Ministry of the Environment (DOE) and UNDP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the country’s ability to use new technologies to combat air pollution.
“Access to special (air) pollution monitoring systems provided by the United Nations Development Agency may contribute to a more effective solution to the country’s environmental issues, particularly air pollution,” said Shina Ansari, a signing bystander.
Iran’s UNDP is committed to continuing to support its efforts in Iran to strengthen its economic resilience, reduce emissions and achieve a sustainable energy future.
We actively supported the country’s transition to renewable energy and improved energy efficiency. To support long-term sustainability, UNDP has developed a certification framework for energy efficiency approved by the Economic Council and equipped with a laboratory and vocational training centre to improve skills in the clean energy sector.
Iran has a solar capacity of 60,000 MW and a wind potential of 30,000 MW, making it a potential renewable energy. The national goal is to install 30,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030 and reduce power consumption by 10,000 MW. However, the UN website, which was announced in a press release on January 28th, remains subject to issues such as energy intensity.
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