UK (Commonwealth Union)_ The Commonwealth unveiled a breakthrough e-learning course aimed at enhancing the capacity of small and vulnerable nations to access substantial sums in climate finance. Launched by The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland KC, Commonwealth Secretary-General, the ‘Commonwealth Climate Finance Essentials E-learning Course’ made its debut during an event at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.
Also read: COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES QUICK ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE AT COP28
This initiative extends the capabilities of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, a proven entity that has assisted 17 small and vulnerable states in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific in securing over US$322 million for climate-related projects. Government officials and experts can leverage this course to gain a deeper understanding of intricate aspects, including the climate finance landscape, compliance requirements stipulated by major funders, financial prerequisites for funding access, and the distinctive needs of vulnerable populations.
Also read: COMMONWEALTH LAUNCHES ACTION GROUP TO ADDRESS PLANET-HEATING METHANE EMISSIONS
Image credit: 1 thecommonwealth.org, 2 thecommonwealth.org
A pivotal feature of the course is its guidance on the essential components for crafting a successful application to secure climate finance for projects. It also delves into the application of innovative tools, such as earth observation data, to enhance project rationale and navigate bureaucratic hurdles. Despite the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting’s call for developed nations to fulfill their commitment of providing US$100 billion annually in climate finance, barriers to funding persist. Small island developing states, in particular, report spending two to three years on developing climate project proposals, followed by an additional year for legal and implementation arrangements before funds are disbursed and projects can commence.
In her remarks at the event, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland emphasized the disproportionate burden borne by small and vulnerable states, despite contributing the least to climate-related issues. She underscored the destructive impact of increasingly frequent and extreme weather events on livelihoods, infrastructure, and economies. She stated, “Despite contributing least to the problem, small and vulnerable states are bearing the biggest burden. Increasingly frequent and extreme weather events are causing widespread destruction to livelihoods and infrastructure and destroying economies”.
Acknowledging international support, she emphasized the need for small and vulnerable states to navigate the complex conditions for accessing available climate funds. She added, “While the international community is stepping in to provide support, it’s not enough. Small and vulnerable states also need to navigate the demanding conditions necessary for accessing available climate funds. The Commonwealth’s e-learning course is a significant step towards helping government officials better understand the complex structures of multi-billion-dollar funds and access the finance they need.”
During the event, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Climate Change, highlighted the capacity challenges faced by developing nations in accessing climate finance promptly. He pointed to the extended approval process, citing instances where Bangladesh had to wait nearly nine years to receive funds after submitting project applications. He commended the e-learning course as a valuable tool, consolidating good practices and aiding in building essential capacity. He stated, “The course is a great tool. All the good practices from the Commonwealth are brought together and are now available in the form of e-learning. It will help with building that capacity that is so very essential.”
Endorsing the course, Orlando Habet, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management, emphasized its critical role for small island developing states and least developed countries. He acknowledged the prolonged timeframes for securing finance and expressed confidence that the course would streamline the process. Habet also expressed gratitude for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s deployment of a national climate finance adviser to Belize, assisting the country in obtaining funding to implement its national climate plans. Overall, the e-learning course represents a component of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s comprehensive resources designed to support its 56 member countries in addressing the global climate crisis.
