Expanding GCF’s reach in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

On the sidelines of the Eighth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference in Batumi, Georgia, country representatives from Eastern Europe and Central Asia participated in a Green Climate Fund (GCF) briefing to enhance the region’s understanding of and engagement with the Fund.

Held on 10 June, the half-day gathering brought together 25 country representatives, as well as partner institutions working in the region, including five GCF National Designated Authorities (NDAs) and focal points, to learn about the Fund. Discussion focused on assessing the region’s climate action priorities and identifying areas where readiness support from the Fund could be channeled to help develop country programmes for GCF backing.

The meeting was opened by Georgia’s First Deputy Minister with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection, Mr. Teimuraz Murgulia, who currently serves on the GCF Board and is the GCF focal point for Georgia. In his remarks, he highlighted the need for Eastern European and Central Asian countries to step up their engagement with the GCF, given its role as an operating entity of the financial mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and that it will serve the Paris Agreement.

Mr. Murgulia spoke to the importance of engaging with entities that have already been accredited to the Fund, while, in parallel, identifying potential national and regional entities to support countries in realizing their priorities and accessing the Fund’s resources under its direct access modality.

During the briefing participants sought clarification on the investment criteria against which funding proposals submitted to GCF are assessed, and they expressed great interest in accessing readiness resources to strengthen the structure of their NDAs and rapidly defining their country programmes. Discussion also touched upon the importance of exchanging experiences and lessons learned among the NDAs and focal points in the region.