Dear Partners, friends and collaborators,
As we reach the end of 2025, I am yet again filled with deep gratitude for the journey we are sharing, the strength it gives, and find renewed optimism for the path ahead. There is power in optimism, and coming off the heels of COP30, one thing is clear to me: now is the time to get ahead of the curve while we still have the chance, not settle for damage control.
This year has reaffirmed GRP’s essential role in advancing climate resilience. Our team and Partnership continued to grow. From fewer than ten Partners in our first year of operation, we are now a community of more than 90 organizations working together to drive meaningful impact.
This year was especially exciting across all areas of our work. Our innovation challenges expanded significantly, strengthening our support to early-stage and locally-led solutions. We launched the Resilience Innovation through Scaling Entrepreneurship (RISE) Urban Challenge to support idea and seed-stage solutions that address resilience needs in informal urban contexts. The global call received 577 applications, and after rigorous review, we selected seven grantees. Together with ICIMOD, we continued our collaboration on the Hindu Kush Himalaya Innovation Challenge for Entrepreneurs (HKH ICE), empowering entrepreneurs to develop innovative, climate-resilient solutions in the agriculture, water security, and sustainable tourism sectors. Alongside Munich Re Foundation and Shockwave Foundation, we selected the shortlists and winners of the third round of the Resilient Agriculture Innovations for Nature (RAIN) Challenge. With Trafigura and Gates Foundation, we launched the Technology for Evolving Challenges in Humanitarian Contexts (TECH) 4 Resilience Challenge, surfacing innovations that apply artificial intelligence to strengthen humanitarian preparedness and response. This global call received 305 applications from 70 countries, and we selected eight incredible projects. I am proud and honoured by the innovative work GRP and our collaborators continue to do.
GRP is proud to be one of the managing partners of the Resilience Hub, which continues to serve as a vital space for partners, communities, and leaders to showcase resilience solutions, elevate diverse voices, and drive inclusive climate action. This year marked the second year of the Hub’s presence beyond COP, with programming also present during Climate Week NYC and London Climate Action Week. It was a special year, as programming was anchored in the Resilience Science Must-Knows, developed with Future Earth and the Stockholm Resilience Centre. With input from more than 100 scientists, conducting countless workshops, and feedback from decision-makers, the Must-Knows team launched the report during COP30.
We remain steadfast in our belief that the private sector has a significant opportunity to drive meaningful change. Against this backdrop, and together with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), we launched the Climate Resilience Awards for Business to spotlight companies advancing climate resilience through innovation, collaboration, and measurable impact across their operations, supply chains, and communities. Additionally, in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) as a strategic knowledge partner, we launched Mobilising Business for Resilience (MBR), a cross-sector and cross-region platform that supports private sector action grounded in science and aligned with global policy frameworks. MBR aims to help close the adaptation finance gap by equipping companies and investors with the tools, partnerships, and visibility they need to build climate-resilient economies and communities.
These are only some of the many highlights from an extraordinary year. As we look ahead to 2026, I am encouraged by the progress we have made together. Our shared commitment and collaboration show what is possible when we move forward with purpose and unity.
Thank you for your dedication and partnership. On behalf of the GRP Secretariat, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful festive season and a resilient New Year. Together we can continue shaping a future where resilience enables prosperity and equity for all.
Sincerely,
Jesper Hörnberg
CEO, Global Resilience Partnership