Global Vision, Local Action: Financing the Future of Locally Led Adaptation

Local communities are developing innovative climate solutions, yet they face barriers like limited access to finance and technical expertise. To bridge the gaps, in 2021 UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner, in collaboration with the Global Resilience Partnership, International Centre for Climate Change and (ICCCAD), the EU-funded Climate-Knowledge Innovation Community (Climate-KIC), UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), and Least Developed Countries Universities Consortium (LUCCC) launched the Adaptation Innovation Marketplace (AIM). With funding from the Adaptation Fund, Global Environment Facility (GEF), and European Union, the initiative supports civil society organizations, NGOs, social enterprises, and women and young people to scale-up innovative technologies, practices, and business models. AIM connects grassroots innovators with funding, technical support, and international networks, fostering a collaborative space for testing new ideas and scaling locally led solutions. This session will bring existing AIM partners to share lessons and future plans for funding local actions and new partners to announce new investments targeting adaptation founders, entrepreneurs, and social enterprises.