More than 150 representatives from the frontlines of the climate crisis in the Asia-Pacific region have come together to identify programming opportunities that would realise their countries’ climate aspirations.
Representatives from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) – 13 from the Pacific region plus Maldives and Timor-Leste – convened in the Cook Islands this month for the Green Climate Fund’s (GCF) Regional Dialogue with the Pacific and Asian SIDS. They shared successes and lessons from partnering with (GCF) and explored ways to strengthen collaboration to support enhanced project pipelines.
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mark Brown, focused on the opportunity at hand. “Our collective goal must be to strengthen coherence, increase scale and deliver real impact on the ground. Faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably,” he said.
“This is where the Green Climate Fund plays such a critical role, not just as a financier, but as a genuine partner; a partner that is responsive to country realities, aligned to regional priorities, and willing to innovate alongside us to overcome persistent challenges.
“The dialogue is an opportunity to move from conversation to action. It is an opportunity to co-design solutions that preserve national and regional ownership while strengthening the delivery of climate finance where it matters most: In our communities, on our lands, and across our oceans.”
The Dialogue enabled GCF to better understand and respond to the priorities, challenges, and needs of SIDS in the region. The Fund also updated partners on its latest policies, tools, and guidance to simplify and quicken access to finance. A series of technical discussions and workshops focused on specific programming areas for the private and public sectors within GCF’s updated Strategic Plan were held over the course of the three-day event.
The Director of GCF’s Asia Pacific Regional Department, Hemant Mandal, acknowledged the leadership of the Pacific and Asian SIDS on the regional and global climate agenda.
“This region has always punched above its weight. From governance to innovation, Pacific voices have shaped GCF,” he said. “With nearly 20 per cent of our Asia-Pacific portfolio invested in this (Pacific) region, we are proud of what we’ve built together, and we are here to grow that partnership.”
The Dialogue was co-hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister, Climate Change Cook Islands, and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management. Participants included the GCF’s government focal points (National Designated Authorities), Accredited Entities (national and international), Civil Society Organisations, and other partners.