The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has officially launched the “Program for the Ecological Transition towards Sustainable Municipalities in Cuba”, an ambitious Delegated Cooperation initiative that will involve eight Cuban municipalities. The program’s strategy focuses on promoting agro-ecological and sustainable energy transitions at the local level, while facilitating effective governance through the strengthening and synergy of public and private actors in the intervention areas.
Supported by the European Union (EU) and coordinated by AICS in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), two Cuban ministries—including the Ministry of Economy and Planning (MEP) and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA)—and its Center for Local and Community Development (CEDEL), the program aims to address Cuba’s current energy and economic challenges.
During the launch event at the Hotel Nacional in Havana, representatives from the beneficiary municipalities and the involved agencies presented the objectives and expected outcomes of what is set to become one of the most strategic and impactful cooperation actions for the country. The meeting provided an important opportunity to discuss development strategies and explore with participants the expectations and challenges that will characterize the program’s implementation.
Antonio Festa, Director of AICS Havana, highlighted the importance of creating a broad collaborative context and synergies at various levels, stating: “We are deeply honored to coordinate this program. The trust placed in us is a great responsibility, and we will do our best to promote dialogue and local ownership, addressing the challenges of sustainable development together.”
AICS plans to actively involve the “Italy System”, which includes civil society organizations, local public entities, universities, and the private sector. This approach aims to create strategic alliances that will facilitate the spread of innovations, expand the impact, and ensure the future sustainability of the initiative. By focusing on energy transition and the active participation of civil society, the program will also promote healthier and more sustainable consumption practices, introducing elements of technological and managerial innovation. With this initiative, AICS aims to guide Cuban territories towards a sustainable development model, responding to local needs and enhancing the island’s human and natural potential.
The program has a financial allocation of 31 million euros from the European Union, with an additional 1.7 million euros co-financed by AICS, primarily allocated for technical assistance and management of activities. The initiative will last 72 months, during which AICS will be responsible for overall coordination, strategic management, and follow-up of activities.
