The New Danish Strategy for Development Co-operation has the fight for climate, nature and environment as a top priority, with four specific objectives:
strengthening action to support climate change adaptation, nature, the environment and resilience in the poorest and most vulnerable countries
assuming international leadership within reductions, green transition, and access to clean energy
increasing mobilisation of finance and promoting green Danish solutions within climate, nature and the environment
creating hope and prospects for the future through green and socially just economic recovery and poverty-oriented development.
The strategy is underpinned by emphasising the need for strong partnerships, including public-private partnerships.
In 2020, the Danish government's long-term Global Climate Action Strategy was published presenting the strategic framework for Denmark’s climate diplomacy efforts, divided into the following aims:
Raising global climate ambitions: Through negotiations in the United Nations (UN) and stronger climate diplomacy efforts, the Government will work to influence countries and non-state actors to commit to ambitious goals that contribute to limiting the global temperature rise. Denmark will work to ensure an ambitious effort for climate adaptation and resilience, as well as for sustainable development. This will be done via the European Union and in alliance and collaboration with countries and non-state actors.
Reducing global greenhouse gas emissions by leading the way in the green transition: Denmark will work to put the green transition into practice, with a focus on ensuring the world’s largest emitters reduce their emissions and on supporting sustainable development in developing countries.
Driving adaptation and resilience initiatives in the fight against climate change: The Government wants to use its position as a green pioneer country internationally to inspire and drive adaptation and resilience initiatives in the climate fight, both through development co-operation and export promotion efforts. The Government wants Danish development co-operation to embrace far higher climate ambitions, with a stronger focus on adaptation and sustainable development in the poorest and most fragile developing countries, where more people must have access to clean energy and clean water. Through its export promotion efforts, the Government will advocate for the global spread of Danish solutions for climate adaptation and resilience.
Shifting global finance flows in a green direction: Massive investment is needed to speed up the green transition. The Government will work to accelerate a shift to green, climate-friendly investments at all levels and country groups. The framework conditions for the financial markets and, for example, the energy market must be designed to support green investment by private and institutional investors and funds. There is also a need to strengthen the mobilisation of climate financing for the poorest and most fragile countries. The Government will take the lead in efforts to incorporate the green transition in recovery packages after COVID-19, both globally and through the European Union.
Collaborating with the business community on green solutions that make a difference: In Denmark, benefits arise from strong co-operation between public authorities and businesses. This great strength must be valued and upheld. A successful global climate effort must include businesses and ensure that Danish solutions deliver for both Danes and people around the world.
The overall ambition is to make the two strategies mutually supportive.
