SISC - Global programme for meeting climate and urbanisation challenges

Strengthened Institutions for a Sustainable Climate (2019–2024) was a capacity development initiative implemented by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency with funding from Sida. The programme was carried out in close cooperation with other Swedish authorities and national actors in six partner countries:

• Ethiopia
• Kenya
• Mozambique
• Rwanda
• Uganda
• Zimbabwe

The aim was to strengthen the capacity of institutions to address climate challenges and promote sustainable urbanisation. This was done through change projects that were developed and led by partner organizations in each country.

The overall objective of the programme was to contribute to the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement by strengthening the use of climate-related data to support actions in climate adaptation, emission reduction, urban planning and governance. 

The main focus of the programme was on promoting good governance and strengthening institutional capacity. The goal was to give partner organizations better conditions to handle the challenges associated with policy development and implementation in the area of climate and sustainability. A central part of the programme was the so-called peer-to-peer collaboration, where experts from Swedish authorities contributed knowledge, experience and support to the projects included in the programme.

The programme was implemented through a number of selected projects in which Swedish authorities supported colleagues in partner countries to carry out prioritised efforts. Eight projects in all six partner countries were implemented.

According to the programme evaluation, as well as lessons learned from participating partner organisations, the results of the implemented projects are assessed as sustainable.

An important success factor has been the strong local ownership of the projects, combined with good anchoring in ongoing national processes.

The project delivered a draft of guidelines for climate-friendly urban planning as well as important empirical data on Harare's urban structure and traffic patterns. It also engaged key state actors. In the longer term, the guidelines are expected to contribute to reduced emissions from motorized transport and be replicated in other cities.

Migori developed a climate adaptation plan, trained local trainers, and established climate planning committees in all 40 city administrative divisions. This demonstrates a strong local commitment to climate action. In the long term, climate adaptation and emission reduction are expected to be integrated into the county's planning and budget processes, and that climate-smart strategies and educational initiatives are spread to more parts of the county's operations.

The project strengthened the capacity for greenhouse gas reporting and implementation of the country's NDC. The Environment Agency's staff were trained to independently carry out inventories and calculations of emissions. The project also contributed to the development of national procedures for quality assurance and improved cooperation between sectors.

• Early and proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and strategic planning are essential for the successful implementation of projects.
• Financial resources should be discussed early in the process, in particular access to funding for local partner organisations.
• Understanding of best practices and approaches during the early phases of project implementation is crucial for building effective collaborations – both in ongoing and future projects.
• Mutual learning should continue – learning from each other strengthens both capacity and results.

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Goal 13: Climate action

Goal 16: Peaceful and inclusive societies

Goal 17: Implementation and global partnership 

The participating Swedish authorities in the programme are the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Swedish Statistics Agency (SCB), the Swedish Energy Agency, the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the National Board of Housing, Building and Planning and Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH).