Building Human and Institutional Capacities to Address Climate Change Issues in 46 Least-Developed Countries

The least developed countries (LDCs) represent the poorest and weakest segment of the international community. The economic and social development of these countries represents a major challenge for LDCs themselves, as well as for their development partners. These countries are characterised by their exposure to a series of vulnerabilities and constraints, such as limited human, institutions and productive capacities; acute susceptibility to external economic shocks, natural and man-made disasters and communicable diseases; limited access to education, health and other social services and to natural resources; poor infrastructure; and lack of access to information and communication technologies. In the context of these vulnerabilities and multiple constrains currently faced by LDCs, increased support is required. This GEF Medium-sized grant to build the human and institutional capacity of the climate change Focal Points in 46 of these countries aims to do so. By providing a wider access to information and communication means, this GEF intervention will help overcome some of the bottlenecks.