Why now?
Climate change is a global emergency. According to international estimates, up to 3.6 billion people already live in contexts that are highly exposed to the impacts of climate change. Droughts, floods, food insecurity and forced displacement threaten the development progress achieved over recent decades.
The most fragile countries, including many African countries, are among the hardest hit, even though they are responsible for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This climate injustice calls for increased solidarity and ambitious international action.
A Clear Framework for Belgian Climate Action
Supporting international climate action is a priority for the Belgian federal government and has long been enshrined in Belgian development cooperation law (2013). In this context, Belgium has adopted a new framework: the Policy Guidance on International Climate Action (PGICA).
This policy guidance follows an independent evaluation of Belgian international climate finance, conducted between 2020 and 2021 and published in 2022. The evaluation highlighted the need to better define the priorities, objectives and guidelines of Belgian international climate action.
The PGICA is also consistent with the federal government agreement, the policy statements of the competent ministers, and Belgium’s European and international commitments, notably the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.
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A Shared Vision: A Safe and Healthy Planet for All
Belgium’s vision is that of a safe and healthy planet where the well-being of people and communities improves in a sustainable way. Belgian international cooperation will continue to focus its support on partner countries, particularly the least developed countries, with a strong emphasis on Africa.
Concretely, Belgium supports low-carbon, climate-resilient, equitable and nature-positive development. This includes:
- sustainable management of natural resources,
- protection of biodiversity and ecosystems,
- equitable access to resources for populations,
- and strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks.
Two Major Objectives
1. Targeted and Priority Climate Action
The priority of Belgian international climate action is adaptation to the impacts of climate change, directly responding to the needs of partner countries and their populations.
Efforts focus in particular on:
- sustainable food systems,
- sustainable land use, biodiversity and ecosystems,
- strengthening the resilience of local communities,
- supporting ambitious climate policies,
- addressing climate-related loss and damage,
- and amplifying the voices of the populations most affected.
Another key objective is to contribute to a significant increase in international climate finance.
2. Systemic Change Across All Cooperation
Beyond specific projects, Belgium integrates climate and environmental considerations across its entire international cooperation. All supported programmes must now take climate priorities into account, from design through to evaluation.
This approach is accompanied by strengthened policy coherence for sustainable development, ensuring that decisions taken in different areas (trade, finance, environment, humanitarian aid, etc.) mutually reinforce one another.
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Concrete and Measurable Targets
These ambitions are translated into clear targets, including:
- at least 80% of climate finance dedicated to adaptation or cross-cutting actions,
- 50% of funding channelled to Africa and 50% to the least developed countries,
- support for 10 million people to strengthen their climate resilience,
- climate-resilient management of at least 1 million hectares of land,
- integration of climate considerations in 100% of development cooperation programmes.
Collective Mobilisation of Stakeholders
The implementation of the PGICA relies on high-quality partnerships involving a wide range of actors:
- federal administrations,
- cooperation agencies such as Enabel,
- non-governmental organisations,
- the research community,
- multilateral institutions,
- the private sector and financial actors such as BIO, Finexpo and Credendo,
- humanitarian actors.
Belgium also builds on its role within the European Union, on multilateral climate funds (such as the Green Climate Fund and the Least Developed Countries Fund), and on international alliances to amplify its impact.
Towards Fairer International Cooperation in the Face of Climate Change
Through this new orientation, Belgium reaffirms its ambition to be a credible, solidaristic and committed partner in addressing the climate crisis. By placing adaptation, a just transition and nature protection at the heart of its international cooperation, Belgium contributes to building more resilient societies, today and for future generations.
