Methodologies and tools for integrated assessment of inclusive green economy policies

Abstract

The present policy brief is informed by an upcoming report of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) entitled “Integrated assessment tools and methodologies for an inclusive green economy in Africa”, whose preparation was prompted by a call at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) for United Nations organizations and other international entities to support countries in adopting methodologies, toolboxes and models for evaluating and implementing inclusive green economy policies. Furthermore, the Africa Consensus Statement to Rio+20 calls for support to African countries in evaluating the costs and benefits associated with a green economy transition, and in formulating and implementing relevant policies. The outcome document of the Africa Regional Implementation Meeting for the post-Rio+20 follow-up calls on ECA and its partners to support the enhanced use and application of approaches and tools, including integrated assessments, to promote a balanced integration of the three dimensions of sustainable development. In that regard, the ECA report assesses methodologies and tools against a variety of criteria, including their capacity to support one or more stages of the integrated policymaking cycle with a focus on Africa’s specific context, to guide policy makers and technical experts in their selection. The present policy brief highlights the main findings of the report.