Representatives from Eastern European and Central Asian (EECA) countries are gathered in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi for a three-day Green Climate Fund workshop to advance their engagement with the Fund and to expedite their access to the Fund’s resources for substantial projects for climate action.

Hosted by the GCF, with support from the Government of Georgia, the regional workshop aims to provide a platform for GCF partners in the EECA region to increase their understanding of how the GCF works and the different funding and support mechanisms available.

Sessions are covering a range of topics instrumental to helping countries tap the Fund’s resources. This includes a focus on the roles and responsibilities of National Designated Authorities (NDAs), the processes related to accreditation and the submission of funding proposals, as well as the Fund’s Readiness Programme and the Project Preparation Facility. Participants have an opportunity to learn about the role of the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders in supporting their climate change efforts.

In a recorded message delivered at the workshop’s opening session on Wednesday, the Executive Director of the GCF, Howard Bamsey stated that “…for the GCF, this is an important meeting because it is the first time that we have worked with countries of the region, in the region, in this format,” adding that the workshop is a key step enabling GCF to “listen closely to your interests and your concerns, and to help take forward your aspirations for climate action.”

Mr. Bamsey noted the Fund would like to help foster more climate action in the EECA region. He said the workshop is designed to assist countries gain access to the funds the GCF has available to support the achievement of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of Georgia, Deputy Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Protection, Ekaterine Grigalava, invited participants to take full advantage of the workshop to strengthen the GCF partnership.

“I encourage you to use this opportunity to exchange experiences and share knowledge about accessing the GCF because without its support, developing countries in our region will not be able to tackle the adverse impacts caused by climate change,” said Ms Grigalava.

Deputy Minister Grigalava noted the EECA region has not been as active with the GCF as other regions, and called on participants to access the resources it has available, in particular through the Fund’s Readiness Programme.

Also speaking at the opening was Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Nikoloz Gagua, who, in his remarks, underlined the intrinsic link between sustainable economic growth and environmental sustainability. He stressed the role of financing in helping countries meet their Paris Agreement commitments.

In addition to some 20 country delegations, other participants attending the regional meeting include representatives of GCF Accredited Entities, potential entities, observer organizations, including from the private sector, and GCF Secretariat staff.