Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the cornerstone of the Paris Agreement and the primary mechanism for communicating national climate ambitions and emission reduction targets. While not required, many countries have used the NDC to outline their adaptation goals and needs.
In the Caribbean, Grenada launched its NDC resource mobilisation strategy (2023-2030) two years ago, thanks to technical and financial support from the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub and the NDC Partnership.
In Africa, Uganda recently unveiled its national climate finance strategy 2025-2030, marking a significant milestone in climate resilience.
However, the path remains challenging as many countries are yet to develop financing strategies to meet their NDC targets.
- But how effective are these strategies in steering and unlocking the climate finance needed to meet ambitious NDC goals?
- And what are the lessons, experiences and common challenges faced by small and other vulnerable countries in formulating and translating climate finance strategies into concrete action?
To explore these questions, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub in partnership with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the NDC Partnership, is convening a regional knowledge exchange webinar, titled Africa-Caribbean Knowledge Exchange and learning Webinar | Financing Mechanisms for NDCs in SIDS and LDCs.
This knowledge exchange is part of the Commonwealth NDC Webinar Series, convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat to facilitate cross-regional dialogue, peer learning, and practical knowledge-sharing on NDC implementation and financing. The series brings together policymakers, technical experts, development partners, and civil society across the Commonwealth to strengthen ambition and accelerate action.
Expected outcomes
- A shared understanding of good practices, lessons and challenges countries face in developing financing strategies for NDCs
- Strengthened regional cooperation and cross-pollination of good practices and knowledge across regions and countries
Participants
- Government officials and technical experts from ministries leading NDC processes
- Representatives from regional organisations and institutions supporting NDC activities
- Development partners and donors engaged in NDC support
- Private sector, civil society organisations and other institutions contributing to NDC processes
Speakers
- Suresh Yadav, Director, Climate Change and Oceans Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Uzoamaka Nwamarah, Interim Head, Climate Change, Commonwealth Secretariat
- Tracy Smith, Regional NDC Coordinator, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
- Amanda McKee, Director for Knowledge and Learning, NDC Partnership
- Phelim Usher-Purves, NDC Lead, UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Denis Mugagga, Head Climate Finance Unit, Ministry of Finance, Planning & Economic Development, Uganda
- Spencer Thomas, former Permanent Secretary and Economic Policy Adviser in the Ministry of Finance, Grenada
- Moderators: Zipora Otieno, Commonwealth Regional Climate Finance Adviser for the Caribbean and Martin Barriteau, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser for Grenada
