Credit: UNFCCC

The High-Level side event provided a platform for ministers of developing countries to discuss their experiences and challenges in mobilizing and accessing climate finance. It showcased the progress countries have made on assessing and determining their climate finance needs, as supported by the Needs-Based Finance (NBF) Project. The discussion highlighted the critical role of the NBF Project in aligning national climate priorities with financial strategies and fostering long-term partnerships to support ambitious adaptation and mitigation goals. 

The panel of distinguished ministers offered unique perspectives on their countries’ climate needs. Panelists shared insights on barriers to access climate finance, particularly for Small Island Developing States, conflict-affected nations, and vulnerable economies. Finance representatives provided in-depth insights into how their institutions are addressing the challenges of mobilizing and enhancing climate finance. The event underscored the urgency of international collaboration to enable developing countries to implement transformative climate action while navigating economic and environmental challenges. Key themes included innovative financing solutions, private sector engagement, and the importance of tailored, region-specific approaches.

Agenda

PART I – OPENING SEGMENT  13:15-13:25

Welcome remarks: Ms. Sophie De Coninck, Means of Implementation Director UNFCCC Secretariat

PART II – PANEL DISCUSSION 13:25-14:05

Moderator: Ms. Amal-Lee Amin, Managing Director and Head of Climate, Diversity and Advisory, British International Investment

Panel:

1. Her Excellency Ms. Susana Muhamad, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia
2. His Excellency Honourable Mr. Tiofilusi Tueti, Minister of Finance of Tonga
3. Her Excellency Ms. Josephine Napwon Cosmas, Minister of Environment and Forestry of South Sudan
4. His Excellency Mr. Hassan Bakhit DJAMOUS, Minister of Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development of Chad
5. Honourable Ms. Beatrice Atim Odwong, Minister of State for Environment in the Ministry of Water and Environment of the Republic of Uganda
6. His Excellency Mr. Jacques Assahoré Konan, Minister of Environment, Sustainable Development & Ecological Transition of Côte d'Ivoire
7. Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action & Constituency Empowerment of Saint Kitts and Nevis
8. His Excellency Mr. Ali Shareef, Special Envoy of Climate Change of the Maldives
   
   Topics explored

• Sustainable climate finance: A look at replicable and scalable financial solutions that have demonstrated success, while also maintaining responsible national debt levels.
• Regional access to climate finance: Insights and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of securing climate finance at a regional scale.
• Financing approaches for conflict affected and highly vulnerable states: Finance solutions for enhanced resilience and transformative impacts in conflict affected states or with severe humanitarian crisis.
• Climate finance access and mobilization: Approaches to funding enhanced resilience, mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage.
• Private sector engagement: Strategic approaches for increasing private sector involvement in the implementation of climate solutions.

PART III – Q&A 14:05-14:40 

Distinguished speakers:

• Hun Kim, Acting Vice President, Investment Solutions, AIIB
• Maya Hennerkes, Director, Green Financial Systems at the Climate Strategy and Delivery, EBRD  
• Carla Montesi, Director, European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships, European Commission
• Somnath Basu, Director of Sustainability and Climate Change, OPEC Fund

PART IV – CLOSING SEGMENT 14:40-14:45