Template for non-Party stakeholders’ inputs

for the Talanoa Dialogue

Question 1 – Where are we?

This template is meant to guide non-Party stakeholders (organization(s), coalition(s), initiative(s) and/or sector(s) etc.) in providing inputs that are relevant and impactful to the Talanoa Dialogue process. Using such the template is not mandatory, however, the High-level Champions encourage non-Party stakeholders to use such a structure to facilitate capturing and highlighting the key messages across the three questions.

Where are we?

The commitment (planned and/or announced) as well as the actions taken so far that are in line with aims of Paris Agreement, the 1.5/2 degrees’ goal and the transition towards a net-zero emission society by this mid-century [Maximum 300 words]

Islamic Relief is currently engaged in over 50 climate related projects in 14 countries worldwide, mostly building the capacity of individuals and communities in order to reduce their vulnerability to the effects of climate change
Islamic Relief facilitated the Islamic Declaration on Climate Change (2015) using religious authority to call for stronger climate change policies.
Islamic Relief’s Action on Climate and Consumption project aims to reduce carbon emissions in both developed and developing countries.

Progress made so far against the above commitments, including success stories, case studies and gaps [Maximum 300 words]

Case study:
Model for eliminating extreme poverty
Islamic Relief’s model to end extreme poverty has helped thousands of people and made them more resilient to the effects of climate change. The project offers income-generation training and grants of unto $800 to vulnerable women. It also helps them organise into self-help groups so they can support each other in starting their businesses. As soon as they make enough money to set aside small savings, they pay into the group’s bank account and start lending to other members. The interest-free loans help generate an income for more and more women, and the model continues to succeed as it is self-regulated, with an inbuilt flexibility and understanding of each family’s situation. The results of the model are astonishing, with over70 per cent of targeted families rising out of extreme poverty in Bangladesh over the last six years, and less than 10 per cent still living below the poverty line. Many have gone on to take a third and fourth loan to expand their enterprises or to add new sources of income. Education and health levels have also improved, and beneficiaries who had previously resorted to desperate measures said they were relieved to be able to earn a dignified living. They are also better prepared and have the resources to face challenges like droughts and floods and through the self-help groups have elected apex bodies to improve services and take up issues with local government.

Quantitative impact so far with respect to mitigation, adaptation, resilience and/or finance [Maximum 300 words]

Quantitative impact so far with respect to mitigation, adaptation, resilience and/or finance [Maximum 300 words]