(Commonwealth)_ During the London Climate Action Week, the Commonwealth Secretariat hosted a high-level climate finance roundtable at Marlborough House to bring attention to CCFAH’s milestones and the future direction. Marking its tenth anniversary of service, the meeting was graced by over 40 stakeholders, including climate experts, researchers, diplomats, private sector leaders, international finance institutions, development partners, and rating agencies, to assess its influence and chart the future path.
One of the highlights of the discussion was that CCFAH has managed to introduce national climate finance advisers into government ministries in the member countries of the Commonwealth. The advisers engage directly with the powers in charge to build the capacity of the nations in accessing and managing climate finance. Working from within the national systems, the advisers put climate action at the heart of national development and financial planning.
Aurelius Nkonde, Commonwealth National Climate Finance Adviser to the Seychelles Government, shared his experience remotely. His groundbreaking double placement appointment allows him to spend half the week at the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment and half at the Ministry of Finance, National Planning, and Trade. This new approach has allowed climate policy to be aligned more closely with economic and fiscal priorities. According to this commitment, Seychelles has made significant progress in aligning its National Development Strategy 2024-2028 with climate objectives as well as setting guidelines on climate budget tagging.
Climate budget tagging is a critical tool that allows the tracking, reporting, and recognition of climate spending in the public financial management by governments. Its establishment supports the transparency, accountability, and efficiency of climate spending, as well as enhances the image of a nation in the eyes of foreign donors and international financial institutions.
The session reflected Australia’s long-standing commitment to CCFAH. Its support has helped the Hub’s capacity-building activities, including hosting the first Commonwealth training for youth in climate negotiations. This event matters in how it equips future generations with the technical expertise and diplomatic skills to champion their cause in international arenas regarding climate finance.
Members invoked the CCFAH’s multiplier effect. In combination with forthright support, the Hub anchors institutions, builds national capacity, and leverages the catalytic impact of funds raised under its umbrella. The recommendation was for CCFAH to increase its collaboration with other climate finance advisory networks in order to future-proof the organization. Such cooperation can render it more effective, avoid duplication, and enhance its contribution globally.
There was also some debate on maximizing synergies among CCFAH and other Commonwealth initiatives, in particular the newly created Commonwealth Investment Network. The representatives noted that establishing linkages between climate finance and investment planning had the potential to spur more strategic and coordinated cross-ministerial responses, in the end contributing to improved access for countries to climate finance. Such an initiative is of direct interest to today’s level of global economic uncertainty, where governments have more pressure to deliver with decreasing resources.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Hon. Shirley Botchwey pledged the Secretariat’s support to build the Hub’s reach and impact in a video message. She also emphasized the importance of developing more robust partnerships with donors and international organizations to endow member states with capacities and tools to access climate finance with confidence and effectiveness. As global demand for climate finance increases, CCFAH’s experience over the past decade makes it an essential driver for filling the gap between available resources and the climate priorities of nations. Its ‘in-house’ advisory model, capacity-building approach, and adaptability to conform to the requirements of a particular country have made it a highly sought-after partner for Commonwealth governments.
London Climate Action Week afforded a timely platform to reassert solidarity with the CCFAH and investigate new ways to revitalize its role. The debates reaffirmed a common vision of climate resilience, economic inclusion, and sustainable development—values that are indispensable and will continue to steer the Hub into its second decade of existence.
