SUSTAINABLE FINANCE: BRIDGING THE GAP IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

10 Principles outlined in the ESCAP report

Developing New Climate Finance Partnerships

●Encouraging collaboration between governments, private sector entities, international organizations, and other stakeholders.

●This could involve creating joint initiatives, public-private partnerships, and collaborations between financial institutions and climate-focused organizations. By fostering these partnerships, there can be an increase in the availability of funds and expertise for climate-related projects.

Developing Effective NDC Financing Strategies

●Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are the commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change.

●Developing effective financing strategies involves creating clear and actionable plans to fund these commitments. This might include establishing dedicated funds, attracting international climate finance, and leveraging private sector investments to fulfil the requirements of each country’s NDC.

Developing Policy Coherence and Capacities Across Key Government Ministries

●Ensuring that policies related to climate action are coherent across different government departments and ministries. This principle emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts, avoiding conflicting policies, and ensuring that all government bodies are working towards shared climate goals.

Taking Decisive Regulatory Action to Shift Capital towards Net Zero Transition

●Implementing regulations and policies that encourage investments in activities and projects contributes to the transition to a net-zero carbon economy. This could involve providing tax incentives for green investments, imposing carbon pricing mechanisms, and setting regulatory standards that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Driving Investment in the Capacities of Financial Personnel

●Investing in training programs and educational initiatives for financial professionals. By enhancing the skills and knowledge of financial personnel, there can be more effective evaluation and management of climate-related investments, leading to better decision-making processes.

Driving Investment in Sectoral and Project-Based Financial Data

●Investing in data collection and analysis related to climate projects and sectors.

●Detailed financial data helps in assessing the viability of projects, understanding the risks involved, and making informed investment decisions. This principle emphasizes the importance of accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive data for effective financial planning.

Committing to Net Zero Pledges for 2050 with Credible Transition Pathways and Including 2030 Goals

●Encouraging countries and organizations to commit to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This commitment should be supported by credible transition pathways, outlining how emissions will be reduced over time. Additionally, interim goals for 2030 are crucial to measure progress and ensure that the necessary actions are being taken to achieve the long-term target.

Increasing Local-Currency Financing of Energy Transition Projects and Green Technologies

●Promoting investments in energy transition projects and green technologies using local currencies. This reduces dependency on foreign currencies and can make these investments more sustainable and stable, especially in emerging economies where currency fluctuations can pose significant challenges.

Expanding and Accelerating Concessional Financing and Risk-Sharing by Multilateral Development Banks

●Increasing support from international financial institutions through concessional financing and risk-sharing mechanisms. Concessional financing involves providing loans at lower interest rates or with longer repayment periods. Risk-sharing mechanisms involve sharing the risks associated with investments, making them more attractive to private sector investors.

Increasing Investment of Time and Effort in Project Preparation

●Allocating resources to the preparation and planning phases of projects. This involves conducting feasibility studies, environmental impact assessments, and thorough financial planning. By investing time and effort in these preparatory stages, projects are more likely to be well-designed, financially viable, and successful in attracting investments.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. What strategies and mechanisms can governments and financial institutions implement to promote sustainable climate finance, ensuring funding is directed towards environmentally responsible projects and initiatives that contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts?