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EU commits EUR 2 million to SA-TIED programme as policy dialogue on climate-resilient infrastructure takes center stage

The European Union (EU) has allocated EUR 2 million to the Southern Africa Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme, significantly boosting its support for evidence-based policymaking in South Africa. This financial backing was announced at the start of a high-level policy dialogue on financing infrastructure development in the face of climate change. Hosted in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand’s Global Change Institute, the event gathered stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, and government to explore ways to construct climate-resilient infrastructure amid growing environmental concerns in South Africa.

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. David Masondo highlighted the critical need to integrate climate change considerations into long-term infrastructure planning. He thanked the EU for their ongoing support of the SA-TIED programme, noting its crucial role in advancing evidence-based policymaking and the importance of international partnerships in strengthening South Africa's policymaking capabilities.

UNU-WIDER’s Head of the Partnerships and Programme Unit Dominik Etienne underlined the significance of the EU's contribution, remarking, ‘Today’s 2-million-euro funding agreement signing with the European Union marks a significant achievement for the SA-TIED programme, showcasing the United Nations University’s commitment to its work in Africa and around the world’.

UNU-WIDER has worked with the National Treasury of South Africa, the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and other government partners for nearly a decade, supporting policymaking in South Africa through research and collaboration aimed at addressing key knowledge gaps for inclusive growth and economic transformation. The programme also offers access to detailed anonymized tax data from the National Treasury of South Africa, aiming to guide policymakers with evidence-based solutions to the country's economic and developmental challenges. The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funds the programme.

This landmark agreement underscores the United Nations University’s commitment to achieving sustainable development in Africa.
– Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector, UNU

UNU Rector Tshilidzi Marwala remarked on the new funding agreement with the EU as a pivotal moment for the SA-TIED programme: 'This new funding agreement with the European Union marks a significant milestone for the Southern Africa Towards Inclusive Economic Development (SA-TIED) programme. The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER), alongside its partners in South Africa, is bridging critical knowledge gaps to drive inclusive economic growth and support South Africa's national priorities. This landmark agreement underscores the United Nations University’s commitment to achieving sustainable development in Africa.'

UNU-WIDER Director Kunal Sen also celebrated the milestone, expressing, ‘We mark a significant step in our programme’s journey with the EU funding agreement, advancing our shared objective of promoting inclusive economic growth throughout the country’.

The EU's continued investment demonstrates a joint commitment to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development. With the EU's previous contributions amounting to EUR 673,378, the additional EUR 2 million reinforces their commitment to the goals of the SA-TIED programme.