Commonwealth climate finance meeting in Sri Lanka advances partnerships and data-driven solutions for climate action

Hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Government of Sri Lanka, the meeting brought together government officials, climate finance experts, development partners and representatives of the UNFCCC COP31 Presidency, to review progress, share lessons and identify opportunities to strengthen support for vulnerable countries facing growing climate pressures.

Small and vulnerable Commonwealth countries, continue to face significant challenges in accessing international climate finance despite being among the most affected by climate change. Established in 2016, following the mandate from the 2015 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Malta, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub has become a key mechanism for helping countries overcome these barriers through long-term technical assistance, including capacity building and project development.

Ten years of supporting Commonwealth countries to access climate finance

A key feature of the meeting was the presentation of a report reflecting on ten years of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub. Since its launch, CCFAH has helped member countries strengthen human and institutional capacity, develop climate finance proposals to unlock investment for projects that support climate adaptation, mitigation and resilience for sustainable development.

The Steering Committee reviewed progress across the Hub's work in Africa, the Caribbean and the Indo-Pacific regions, while exploring opportunities to strengthen partnerships, expand technical assistance and improve access to climate finance. Participants also exchanged views on preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and COP31, both in November 2026, and opportunities to strengthen Commonwealth cooperation ahead of the next round of global climate negotiations.

Suresh Yadav, Senior Director, Climate Change & Oceans Directorate, Commonwealth Secretariat, said:

"Over the past decade, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub has helped countries strengthen capacity, develop projects and access vital climate finance. As we look ahead, our focus is on strengthening existing and building new partnerships, mobilising greater investment and making access to climate finance simpler, faster and more effective for the countries that need it most."

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Australia, a founding partner of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, reaffirmed the importance of Commonwealth collaboration in addressing shared climate challenges and strengthening resilience.

H.E. Matthew Duckworth, High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka said:

"Australia is a proud to be a founding member of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which brings together Commonwealth partners to collaborate on climate action, resilience, and sustainable development. This week's Steering Committee meeting, held here in Colombo, is an opportunity for us to come together to discuss our climate action priorities ahead of COP31"

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Sri Lanka calls for simpler and more accessible climate finance

Speaking at the event, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Arun Hemachandra said countries such as Sri Lanka are already experiencing the impacts of climate change across multiple sectors, from agriculture and livelihoods to infrastructure and national development.

He stressed the need to simplify climate finance mechanisms and make them more accessible, while highlighting the importance of Commonwealth solidarity and international cooperation to turn climate commitments into practical action and resilient development outcomes.

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Investing in the next generation of climate leaders

Participants welcomed plans for the second, forthcoming Commonwealth Youth Multilateral Negotiations Training workshop taking place in Marlborough House, London from 3 – 5 June. The training organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the High Commission of Australia is set to help strengthen the next generation of climate leaders across the Commonwealth.

Development partners strengthen collaboration on climate finance

Ahead of the Steering Committee Meeting, on 26 May, the Commonwealth Secretariat convened a Strategic Engagement Meeting with development partners to explore opportunities for deeper collaboration, increased investment and stronger coordination in support of climate action.

Discussions focused on expanding access to climate finance, mobilising new sources of investment, data for evidence-based decision making and strengthening long-term partnerships that can deliver practical impact on the ground.

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Strengthening cooperation across institutions

Courtesy calls were held with Ministries of Environment, Finance and Foreign Affairs. The discussions reflected the Commonwealth's unique ability to work across key government institutions, helping to connect climate, finance and development priorities and support a more coordinated response to climate challenges.

Climate and health data support better policy decisions

Officials participated in a Roundtable on Climate Health Dashboards for Informed Policies and Climate Financing in Commonwealth Countries at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. The discussion explored how stronger climate and health data can support evidence-based policymaking, improve preparedness for climate-related health risks and strengthen access to climate finance.

Nature-based solutions in action at Anawilundawa

Delegates also visited the Government of Sri Lanka's Anawilundawa Adaptive Natural Resource Management Project, where wetland conservation, mangrove restoration and community-based environmental management are helping to strengthen climate resilience while supporting local livelihoods.

The visit highlighted the role of nature-based solutions in protecting ecosystems, supporting communities and building resilience to climate change.

Partnerships and practical action for a more resilient future

Together, the engagements showcased Sri Lanka's leadership on climate resilience and highlighted the importance of strong partnerships across government, development partners, academia and local communities.

As the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub enters the next decade of climate action, participants reaffirmed the need to strengthen partnerships, mobilise greater investment and improve access to climate finance. Through the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, member countries will continue working together to turn climate ambition into practical action and lasting results.