Context:
SWITCH-Asia intends to strengthen the implementation of sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policies at the national and sub-national level by raising awareness about the topic, scaling up good practices examples, and though capacity building for stakeholders. The programme enhances networking to create an internal dialogue between components of the programme and external dialogue by communicating results of the programme to further stakeholders.
SCP can be considered the operational definition of sustainable development-the nuts and bolts of how society produces and consumes in order to achieve wellbeing without destroying the health and wealth of the environment. As such, SCP overlaps with circular economy, green economy and 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle), and brings together multiple approaches. In recent years, recognition of the centrality of the SCP to achieving sustainability has been further confirmed and its mandate has been strengthened, for example by the 2030 Sustainable Agenda, COP21 Paris Agreement and the Quito New Urban Agenda. With the SCP‘s growing importance expressed by both state and non-state actors, there is also an increasing concern how to translate these international frameworks into reality as state and local levels to support economic, social and environmental aspirations. This tension stresses the critical role of the SWITCH-Asia programme, and a heightened demand for its technical assistance (TA) in the second phase (SWITCH-Asia II).
Objective:
To promote sustainable growth, to contribute to economic prosperity and poverty reduction in Asia and to support the development of green economy and migration of climate change in the target countries. More specific the programme will create enabling environment for the implementation of national SCP policies in the target countries and assist stakeholders (governments, grant beneficiaries, private sector, citizens and civil society) in harvesting the benefits of SCP.
Approach:
Highly reputable and networked consortium: GIZ, Adelphi, IGES, the three members of this consortium, individually have: a) an established record of delivering technical assistance to governments, businesses and other stakeholders in Asia and Europe, b) have developed and deployed expertise in the topic of SCP, including through SWITCH-Asia activities, c) each lead in innovative methods of stakeholder engagement, communication and upscaling of budding solutions towards a larger audience and for great impact. As one consortium, all these advantages are combined and amplified to deliver on the objective of SWITCH-Asia. The consortium draws upon large networks of its members’ influence, a strong and balanced presence in Asia and Europe, the positive reputational benefits and trust that has been established over time. These are essential not only for smooth transition into upgraded Facility, but also to ensure that the reputation and effectiveness of the Programme is sustained and even improved over time, based on results delivered.
Expected Results:
- Reinforced capacity of implementing line ministries and sub-national agencies to promote SCP and to coordinate their portfolios related to SCP practices from different fields;
- Support to formulation and implementation of national policies on SCP by Asian governments on demand basis.
- Contribution to overall effectiveness, sustainability and impact of the different programme components, inter alia via ensuring coordination of and communication between them;
- Increased awareness on SCP and knowledge distilled from the project for wider replication and links with global SCP actions in other regions towards promoting inclusive green economy;
- Increased interactions facilitated between SMEs and MSMEs and financial intermediaries (access to finance);
- Enhanced policy dialogue on SCP in Asia and support the policy advocacy component at the regional level.