COP19 (19/11/13) – Through the Regional Environmental Center, the Italian government is helping the Middle East and North Africa region to move to a low carbon economy, says Stefania Romano, the Center’s Head of Italian Trust Fund.

The project in the MENA uses businesses to mobilise the region towards green growth. Romano says the commitment and competence, momentum and strong ambition is there, but through the Center they have created a platform where CEOs can share their ideas.

She says the goal is to use what they are doing in the MENA as a model for other regions, because although mitigation and adaptation is expensive, inaction is much more expensive.

Romano says despite the frustration of how slowly the talks are moving, this international process remains important, but she believes it is now time for politicians to stop saying “I care”, and instead say “I do.”