Mauritania has taken a further step towards aligning public debt sustainability with climate action and sustainable development financing, following a Technical committee meeting held on Monday in Nouakchott by the Ministry of Finance.
The meeting forms part of ongoing cooperation between the Mauritanian Government and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) on a proposed debt-for-climate action and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) exchange program.
The ESCWA mission to Nouakchott is aimed at shaping an innovative framework that balances debt management with investment in priority climate and development projects, against the backdrop of mounting climate risks and socio-economic pressures.
Deliberations focused on analysing eligible debt service data, identifying potential bilateral creditors, and developing a portfolio of priority projects anchored in clear performance indicators and measurable impact. The committee also agreed on a roadmap for the next phase of implementation.
Speaking at the meeting, Director of External Debt, Niang Idrissa, said the proposed swap initiative offers a strategic, win-win mechanism to address Mauritania’s climate vulnerability, development needs and public debt sustainability, while financing projects with tangible economic, social and environmental benefits.
In a video address from Beirut, ESCWA’s Head of the Shared Economic Prosperity Group, Niranjan Sarangi, said strong partner commitment enhances the credibility and potential impact of the initiative. He called for coordinated efforts to design an ambitious yet realistic program capable of delivering transformative outcomes for Mauritania’s sustainable development agenda.
The meeting brought together representatives from key government ministries, the UN Development System, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the African Development Bank and the World Food program.
