Enhancing Private Sector Engagement for Adaptation

Date:  Thursday, 17 October, 14:00-15:30 CET

View webinar recording here. 

Developing countries’ annual adaptation finance needs are estimated at US$215 to $387 billion, translating to an annual gap of US$194 to $366 billion globally (UNEP, 2023). However, adaptation relies heavily on public funding, with private sources accounting for less than 2 percent of the total adaptation finance (Climate Policy Initiative, 2023).

In addition, limited private sector engagement in NDC/NAP planning processes, insufficient commercial incentives, and a lack of pipeline for marketable projects among NDC and NAP priorities further impede private sector engagement (SCALA PSE Strategy, 2022). Addressing these and other identified barriers is critical in mobilizing the private sector towards climate action.

The Scaling up Climate Action in Land Use and Agriculture Sectors (SCALA) programme, jointly implemented by UNDP and FAO, aims to expand knowledge and build evidence on business opportunities in the agriculture and land use sectors. As part of this effort, a private sector engagement guidance series has been developed to help national planners and practitioners effectively collaborate with the private sector to drive transformative climate action in these sectors.

As part of its support to the UN Secretary General-led Adaptation Pipeline Accelerator (APA) initiative, UNDP organized a series of knowledge exchanges on adaptation finance with partners. These exchanges aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange on accelerating adaptation through emerging experiences in developing countries. It explored available tools and methodologies, best practices, and lessons learned. This webinar was co-organized with UNDP-FAO SCALA programme. 

Objectives and audience

This webinar targeted developing country representatives, adaptation practitioners, and other interested stakeholders. 

It sought to:

• Underline the urgent need to remove critical barriers restricting private sector engagement in climate adaptation.
• Highlight tools, approaches, and experiences in engaging the private sector for adaptation. 

Tentative agenda (90 minutes)