Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia – Authorities and partners from across eastern Europe and central Asia came together to accelerate their engagement with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and share experiences of tackling climate change in their countries.

Identifying and developing climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives in the region is one of the aims of the week. A series of technical and programme-related discussions and workshops are taking place to design projects within Green Climate Fund’s updated strategic plan for 2024-2027.

At the opening session, Fatmir Bytyqi, Deputy President of the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia, in charge of Economic Affairs, Coordination of Economic Sectors and Investments said: “Having GCF as a global mechanism is crucial for all developing countries, including North Macedonia. Providing the developing and underdeveloped countries with finance to support their communities and their people in mitigation and adaptation to climate change should be of great importance for every government.”

Nonhlanhla Zindela, Green Climate Fund deputy director and head of programming said: “The Green Climate Fund is your vehicle for responding to climate events. We have committed USD 1.43 billion to support the aspirations of countries in eastern Europe and central Asia. This has unlocked an additional USD 5.45 billion in co-finance, along with more than USD 59 million from our Readiness Programme to enhance national systems.”

The Regional Dialogue also provides opportunities for strengthening public and private partnerships around project pipelines, supporting capacity building for direct access entities, identifying programming opportunities and addressing national and regional climate change priorities.

With just over two million people, North Macedonia is a landlocked country in southeast Europe at risk from various natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods, torrents, landslides, rockfalls, avalanches and droughts. The Green Climate Fund has five projects, with financing of USD 46.6 million, invested in the country.

The Regional Dialogue with Eastern Europe and Central Asia runs from 18 to 22 March 2024 and brings together over 100 participants representing national designated authorities, direct access entities and delivery partners, as well as international accredited entities and key international counterparts to share and exchange knowledge.