Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN)

🎉 What a day for CFAN! On Finance Day at #COP29, our longtime friends and supporters Environment and Climate Change Canada hosted the network for an event at their pavilion in Baku. 🌍 As international climate negotiations unfold, the message is clear that vulnerable countries urgently need to access climate finance at speed and scale to respond to the worsening climate crisis. Building on the success of mobilizing millions in climate finance in Pacific and Caribbean nations since 2021, today we launched our first Africa cohort with support from the U.S. Department of State. Building on the successes our #CFANadvisors have had in #SIDS, CFAN will now be expanding into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Republic of Congo, and Cameroon. There CFAN Advisors will prepare and develop project proposals to build bankable pipelines and contribute to in-country capacity building for securing climate finance. These three countries are notably in the Congo basin, a region known as the largest carbon sink in the world, with an absorption capacity of roughly 4% of annual global emissions. The launch event convened together representatives from the US, Canada, and the DRC, along with CFAN Advisors from the Pacific and Caribbean, the discussion focused not only on what this expansion means for the region, but also on the future of CFAN: With the new climate finance goal (#NCQG) under discussion as we speak, implementing its ambition is top of mind for developed and developing countries alike. Kunal Singh (CFAN advisor with Pacific Community-SPC) and Shalenie Madho (CFAN Advisor with JSIF Jamaica Social Investment Fund) shared insights from on the ground and spoke to both success and obstacles they've encountered while working to unlock finance for their country priorities and #NDCs. CFAN will continue to provide support and learnings throughout and following the COP, as always with country priorities at the forefront. “Although these three countries represent the first African cohort, CFAN’s goal is to extend our support across the African continent over the next year,” said CFAN Senior Director Laetitia De Marez. “We are fully committed to supporting the implementation of the new climate finance goal and NDCs, drawing on three years of experience in unlocking climate finance and the invaluable insights of those on the ground who are working to drive climate solutions.” Tremendous thanks to our speakers: Tosi Mpanu-Mpanu, Hagen Maroney, Kelly Sharp 🙏 Read our announcement: https://lnkd.in/gxMk7GGC

✨ As the year winds down, we're reflecting on the many individuals who make CFAN possible and take its work to the next level. This year we launched our state-of-the-art training program in the Caribbean for the first time - thanks to a host of incredible partners, experts, guides, and practitioners who shared their insights with the CFAN cohort! 🙏 We extend our gratitude to all of you - we look forward to ongoing collaboration and learning as we ensure CFAN continues to bring tailored, need-based support to countries and their climate resilience efforts. Learn more about CFAN's training program here 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZYDnBb Derek Gibbs Caribbean Development Bank HDF CARIBBEAN Jacqueline Beckles Andrea Sissa ODI Global Kiesha Farnum Caribbean Climate-Smart Accelerator BIPOC Executive Search Inc. Ayesha Constable Global Fund for Women Gian Franco Carassale IDB Invest Gillian Charles-Gollop CIBC Caribbean Shenique Smith Mira Minkara Convergence Blended Finance Sneha Thayil Anastasiya Litvinova Palladium: Make It Possible Grant Ballard-Tremeer E Co. Ellie La Trobe-Hogan Oscar Guevara CAF -banco de desarrollo de América Latina y el Caribe- Marion G. Raghuveer Vyas Climate Analytics Ulric Trotz Natalie Hutchinson Daniel Best, PMP Jennifer Doherty-Bigara Laetitia De Marez Ian Welch-Phillips Donneil Cain, Ph.D. Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) Judi Clarke Paolo Cozzi Rodrigo Narváez Rojas #trainforclimate #cfanadvisors #climatefinance

🌟 Sharing an amazing opportunity from our colleagues at RMI: a chance to work with the Southeast Asia Team as the Philippine Country Lead!! 🌟 Are you passionate about solving challenging problems, driving clean energy transitions, and making a meaningful impact? We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to lead our on-the-ground activities in the Philippines as part of RMI's Southeast Asia Energy Program. Key job responsibilities include: ✅ Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders in the Philippines. ✅ Contribute to project execution and coordination with other teams within RMI. ✅ Lead the organization of workshops, stakeholder meetings, and other events. ✅ Collaborate with the regional director, portfolio manager, program managers and across all levels of RMI SE Asia team to support project selection and planning, and to develop the organization’s expertise and reputation in energy systems in the Philippines. RMI is a remote-ready organization but the role will require you to be based in Metro Manila to attend in-person meetings and events. To apply: https://bit.ly/41ttzQP ❗ Deadline for application is on December 31, 2024.

As extreme weather events like the recent Hurricane Beryl become more frequent, the need for investment in human capacity and climate-resilient infrastructure is more urgent than ever. At #COP29, CFAN hosted a panel alongside the Bahamas Gov to explore: 🌟 Strategies for securing and deploying climate finance effectively 🌟 The critical role of advisory support in resilience-building 🌟 Why investing in people and processes is key to "building back better" With opening remarks of the Honorable Philip Edward Davis MP KC, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, our expert panel featured Omar Alcock, Rochelle Newbold, and #CFANAdvisors - Shalenie Madho (JSIF Jamaica Social Investment Fund) and Kunal Singh (Pacific Community-SPC). Co-organized by The Bahamas and RMI, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone working on climate resilience and sustainable development. 📺 Watch the full panel below: https://bit.ly/3OQbepy #climatefinance #climateresilience #bahamas

💵 More climate finance is coming to Africa! Building on its success in securing millions in climate finance for Pacific and Caribbean nations since 2021, the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) has officially announced the launch of its first Africa cohort, supported by the U.S. Department of State. Coordinated by RMI, CFAN enhances the capacity to unlock climate finance in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries by recruiting and training local climate finance advisors to work within governments and local organizations. Currently active in 20 countries across the Pacific and Caribbean, CFAN has made significant progress. CFAN's current impact by the numbers: 🌏 20 countries and three cohorts 💰 $76.6 million in climate finance secured 💸 $1.4 billion in the global project pipeline The three African countries where CFAN will be starting its cohort, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and Cameroon, are just the beginning. 🌱 The goal is to scale the success of CFAN throughout the continent while tailoring its approach to country-specific needs and priorities. Notably, these nations are situated in the Congo Basin, the world’s largest carbon sink, which absorbs approximately 4% of annual global emissions, underscoring the region’s critical role in global climate mitigation. This expansion marks a pivotal step in equipping vulnerable nations with the tools and expertise needed to access critical climate finance, empowering them to safeguard their communities and contribute to global climate resilience. 🛠️ #ClimateFinance #AfricaEnergy https://bit.ly/3BdAIKy

🌏 Were you following #COP29 this year? Wondering what came out of it and what happens next? This coming week you can learn more from CFAN's Mahlet Eyassu and a panel of incredible experts on International Society of Sustainability Professionals (ISSP)'s recap webinar! In addition to Mahlet on behalf of RMI, you will hear from representatives of ICLEI, Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Denominator, and National Wildlife Federation. They will discuss their biggest takeaways from their attendance at COP29 with a focus on finance and how it affects the success of the other Sustainable Development Goals (#SDGs). Register and tune in December 11: https://bit.ly/issp-cop29 🌟 This webinar is free and open to the public, and re-broadcasting at 4pm ET (best for Oceania/Pacific Time) and 8am ET (best for Afro-Eurasia) the next day. You'll be able to interact with other attendees who are attending the same time as you.

We’re thrilled to share that the Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) is expanding to Africa, and we are hiring a Senior Associate for the region! The successful candidate will play a key role in implementing CFAN’s network services by coordinating advisors in Africa, engaging directly with country governments, and fostering partnerships between national, regional, and international entities to enhance climate finance access across the continent. Additionally, they will contribute to the design and execution of CFAN’s cutting-edge Climate Finance Training Program. Coordinated by RMI, CFAN strengthens the capacity of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries to access climate finance by training local advisors to work directly within governments and Direct Access Entities. Active in 20 countries across the Pacific and Caribbean, CFAN has already secured $76.6 million in climate finance and developed a global project pipeline worth $1.4 billion. We are excited to continue this work in Africa. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4fW0TE3

As part of Gender Day at #COP29, our colleagues at RMI brought together women leaders from across the globe in a virtual roundtable to explore their contributions in advancing renewable energy and climate initiatives (like CFAN!) throughout the Caribbean, India, the Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The expert panel featured CFAN’s own Nnyeka R. Prescod, Regional Manager to the Caribbean, and underscored the importance of inclusive leadership in creating clean energy solutions. Nnyeka, along with co-panelists Nitisha Agrawal, Saudatu B., and TeAnn Thomas, discussed their perspectives as energy leaders driving renewable energy initiatives in their respective countries, and highlighted the importance of capacity building and mentorship programs that supported their career growth. 💡 If you're looking to start December with actionable insights on fostering gender equity and empowering women to lead the global energy transition, you can watch the full discussion here: https://bit.ly/4gi6J32

Cleaner air and water. New and growing job opportunities. Communities built to withstand climate impacts. A clean energy future is within reach, but it will take all of us working together to make it happen. Join Sir Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group, alongside RMI's Taylor Krause and Ian Welch-Phillips, for an engaging webinar moderated by RMI Trustee Martha Brooks. We’ll discuss how to activate the next generation of climate leaders and the power of partnerships to drive forward clean energy solutions worldwide. 📆: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 ⏰: 10–11 a.m. MT / 12–1 p.m. ET 👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3OlQ9TL Together, let’s build a cleaner, resilient future. 🌍✨ #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuture

During Gender Day at #COP29, RMI’s Energy Transition Academy (ETA) hosted a virtual roundtable — featuring women leaders from around the world — on the critical role of women’s leadership in advancing renewable energy projects across the Caribbean, India, the Pacific, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The webinar underscored the importance of inclusive leadership in creating clean energy solutions, emphasizing that diverse perspectives are essential for sound decision-making and effective climate action. Despite the different geographies represented in the panel, “there are so many common threads in our paths”, noted Nitisha Agrawal, founder of the Smokeless Cookstove Foundation in India. “Forums like these establish community and a common shared hope and vision. Our problems, our solutions, are not so different from women in other regions.” The discussions highlighted the experiences and stories of women energy leaders advancing renewable energy projects in their countries, and the importance of capacity building and mentorship programs to support career growth. “Great opportunities are not out of reach, as long as they are visible to us,” panelist TeAnn Thomas added, “as the climate space is still evolving, there’s always new opportunities to explore and each of us has a role to play in making these visible for the next generation of energy leaders.” TeAnn spoke from experience, as she is an alumnus of both the ETA Global Caribbean Fellowship Program and the WIRE Network. Joining RMI’s Amber Zirnhelt, RPP, MCIP and Valentina Guido on the roundtable were Nitisha Agrawal, Smokeless Cookstove Foundation and Clean Cooking Mentorship Program hosted by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA) and GWNET: Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition; Saudatu B., Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria and Africa Minigrids Program; Nnyeka R. Prescod, Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN); and TeAnn Thomas, Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Women in Renewable Energy (WIRE) Network. The webinar built on the vision of centering gender and women empowerment in the climate agenda at COP and beyond, and rode the momentum of the WIRE Network’s recent convening in Barbados, where women leaders came together to strategize on advancing sustainable energy solutions across the Caribbean. Watch the video below to gain insights into their collaboration and impact. 🌱 If you missed the webinar, you can watch the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/g3nj3BX7