Tag Archives: Least Developed Countries

AMA, Environment

UN Climate Adaptation Expo in Zambia concludes with urgent call for more finance to save lives and economies; helps countries harness AI to build climate resilience

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© Photo Credit: UNFCCC/Zambia | Dr Youssef Nasser, Director of Adaptation at UNFCCC, delivering remarks 
at the NAP Expo 2025 opening

LUSAKA, Zambia, 18 August 2025 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The largest annual climate adaptation event has concluded in Lusaka, Zambia, with an urgent call for scaled up investment to save lives, lift living standards and boost economic growth.

NAP Expo 2025 focused on strengthening countries’ capacity to advance National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) ahead of COP30 in Brazil, and closing the financing gaps that threaten effective climate adaptation.

The Expo also launched updated adaptation guidelines, and helped countries to make use of new AI tools to build climate resilience, in many countries for the first time, among other key developments.

“Adaptation isn’t a bill we can skip. If we don’t fund it, the poorest pay in lost harvests, poorer health, and – at worst – with their lives,” said Youssef Nassef, Director of Adaptation at UN Climate Change.

“Around USD 300 billion is needed annually for climate adaptation by 2030. Governments will spend this amount and much more, whether they like it or not, in rebuilding infrastructure destroyed by climate disasters, and importing food due to ruined crops,” said Nassef.

“Much smarter and cheaper is investing in resilience up-front, because this not only saves lives and money, it delivers massive dividends across every sector and every community, transforming lives and economies for the better.”

Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Elton Mposha, said: “We must transform NAPs into investable and bankable plans attractive for investment, including by the private sector. It is also imperative to enhance horizontal and vertical coordination to ensure effective participation of various stakeholders – including women, children and youth, persons with disabilities, local communities and the private sector – in the design and execution of NAPs.”

“Climate change is a matter of life and death for our people. The 2023-2024 drought reduced crop yields by about half, and similarly reduced electricity generation by more than half. This requires a multi-pronged approach across multiple sectors and scales, centred around the critical role of water,” added Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment of Zambia.

The Expo, attended by around 400 participants from 80 countries, launched updated technical guidelines, welcomed by least developed countries and others as a strong basis to help nations in designing and implementing their NAPs by 2025, in line with the latest science and the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).

Adaptation plans are vital to ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to the funding and support they need to build resilience to worsening droughts, floods and other climate disasters.

Key outputs from the Expo include:

  • Over six technical sessions focused on promoting mobilization and access to financing for NAPs: (i) maximizing access to existing sources and modalities under the UNFCCC Financial Mechanism; (ii) exploring new sources and modalities of adaptation finance and how countries can mobilize or engage.
  • Five sessions aiming to accelerate the uptake and use of frontier and digital technologies in the NAP process, including big data, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
  • For many participants, it was the first time using AI in supporting the formulation and implementation of NAPs, and the guided sessions provided an introduction to several powerful resources.
  • The AI session was so successful that participants requested an additional one, which was offered on the next day and focused on co-producing a sample open NAP to showcase concepts relevant to adaptation assessment, planning and implementation.
  • Various sessions strengthened inclusive stakeholder engagement in the NAP process by promoting the incorporation of diverse values and worldviews of Indigenous Peoples and the experiences of local communities, as well as private sector involvement, with a strong focus on vulnerable communities, gender-responsiveness and youth participation.
© Photo Credit: UNFCCC/Zambia | Fumukazi Zilanie Gondwe, Indigenous leader from Malawi’s Nyika Plateau, delivering remarks
at the opening.

Fumukazi Zilanie Kamgundanga Gondwe, traditional leader of the Phoka people, Rumphi, Malawi, said: “What we refer to as innovation is often rooted in long-standing Indigenous practices such as seed sovereignty, sacred forest protection, and cultural rituals for ecological balance.”

Ana Toni, CEO of the upcoming COP30 climate conference in Brazil, called on the global community to “transcend outdated mindsets whilst preserving shared values and innovating towards a new planetary renaissance, where humankind regenerates its relationship with itself and with the nature it belongs to.”

“COP30 will serve as a turning point for adaptation, and NAPs must lead the way, building capacity and securing funding to strengthen our efforts. In Belém, adaptation must be elevated to the same level of importance as mitigation on the global agenda, especially as the impacts of climate change have already infiltrated our homes. Together, we have the power to implement meaningful change and safeguard our communities for a more resilient and sustainable future,” Toni added.

Attended by government officials, technical experts, Indigenous leaders, private sector representatives, and development partners, the Expo from 11-15 August was marked by a focus on implementation – how to help countries meet the 2025 NAP submission target.

Countries also showcased practical solutions to the Global Goal on Adaptation targets:

  • Water security: nature-based solutions for urban rainwater harvesting, climate-smart agricultural practices, and restoration of rivers and streams.
  • Food security: climate-smart agriculture techniques improving soil health and yields without expanding land use.
  • Secure Livelihoods: diversified income and strengthened resilience through sustainable resource management.
  • Resilient infrastructure: coastal protection projects rooted in nature-based solutions.

Youssef Nassef expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Zambia for their gracious hospitality in hosting this important global event, noting how the Zambian spirit of solidarity, of hope, of collectivism and harmony helped underpin a successful Expo.

As the Expo closed, participants pointed to next month’s Climate Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (1-6 September) convened by UN Climate Change, as another key moment to advance adaptation and resilience, including financing needs, along with other key issues.

By bringing together negotiators with implementers in government and the real economy, along with key financiers including development banks, Climate Week will help lay a foundation for progress on finance, adaptation, mitigation and a Just Transition, in Belém and beyond.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of UNFCCC 

About the NAP Expo 

The NAP Expo is an annual outreach event organized by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) under the UNFCCC. It serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, fostering partnerships and mobilizing support to advance the formulation and implementation of NAPs in developing countries. 

About the UNFCCC 

With 198 Parties, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement. The Paris Agreement aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level which will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, and to protect all people from worsening climate impacts now and in the future. Through multilateral cooperation under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, and national efforts, projected temperature increase has been reduced from up to 5 degrees Celsius, to around 3 degrees Celsius now, if pledges are implemented. Efforts continue to lower projected temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, as all countries in the UNFCCC have agreed, as well as to build more climate-resilient economies and societies, and to spread the vast benefits of climate action across all nations and peoples. 

The ultimate objective of all agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.

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AMA, Environment

World Leaders and Institutions Convene at First FRLD High-Level Dialogue to Advance Climate Resilience and Support for Vulnerable Nations

Maravi Post Reporter
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, Executive Director of Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD)

Washington, D.C, 2 May 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Today, the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) held its inaugural High-Level Dialogue on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, convened under the leadership of the FRLD Board and in coordination with the United Nations Secretary-General.

Under the theme “Strengthening Response(s) to Loss and Damage through Complementarity, Coherence, and Coordination”, the Dialogue brought together senior representatives of partner governments, multilateral development banks, international financial institutions, UN agencies, climate funds, philanthropic organizations, risk financing and insurance entities and civil society actors to foster collective action in response to the growing impacts of climate change.

The Dialogue welcomed high-level speakers, including COP29 President H.E. Mukhtar Babayev, Ministers from Pakistan, South Africa, and Germany, as well as other senior representatives. In opening remarks, the Co-Chairs of the FRLD Board, Jean-Christophe Donnellier and Richard Sherman, welcomed participants and emphasized the spirit of global solidarity that led to the creation of the Fund. They noted that the Dialogue comes at a critical juncture in the Fund’s development and called for strengthened cooperation to deliver timely and effective support to the most vulnerable nations.

“This Fund was launched to strengthen our global capacity to respond to loss and damage, and this requires a response that is timely, adequate, comprehensive and efficient. It is therefore crucial that we work together to streamline our collective global response,” emphasised Donnellier.

Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Finance of Pakistan

The Minister of Finance of Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb, added the need for speed in responding to loss and damage: “Climate change is an existential threat; we are living it. Even before the floods of 2022. As the Fund becomes operational, our request is for simplicity and agility. We are dealing with our own internal bureaucracies in our own countries. We can’t have decisions to take years; what we need are speedy disbursements.”

A key milestone of the event was the presentation of Proposed Actionable Commitments on Accelerating Action on Climate-Induced Loss and Damage by the Executive Director, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, on behalf of the Fund and peer financial institutions. He reaffirmed a collective commitment to unify global responses and reduce fragmentation in funding streams: “Today marks the beginning of a new era of coordinated action driven by global solidarity and leadership. We reaffirm our collective commitment with our partners and stakeholders to reduce fragmentation in funding streams and ensure that resources are delivered effectively to those who need them most. Our shared goal is clear: to ensure that the most vulnerable nations affected by climate-induced loss and damage, receive timely and effective support that reflects their priorities and realities”.

This laid the foundation for two roundtables that explored how institutions can better align mandates, close funding gaps, and build strategic partnerships.

Participants discussed opportunities to streamline access to finance, support national readiness and pre-arranged financing mechanisms, and enhance collaboration among funding arrangements such as the Climate Investment Funds, the Adaptation Fund, the Santiago Network and Global Shield. The issue of prevention was brought up, including better use of data and technology. With the gap between the financing available and the needs, prudent and smart approach is necessary.

“The Santiago Network and FRLD are linked by design but also purpose. One of our core functions is to enable access to finance, technology and capacity building. The Santiago Network brings an existing toolbox, technical guidance and technical assistance platform and a regional presence with 15 members ready to provide support. This is a call to expand our collective response to Loss & Damage. We need to collaborate but also act in synchronicity” said Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director of the Santiago Network Secretariat.

The event concluded with reflections and recommendations on the way forward, highlighting the FRLD’s ambition to begin disbursing an initial $250 million primarily delivered in grants to support bottom-up, country-led and community-driven interventions, with at least 50% of funding earmarked for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Co-Chairs reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to being an inclusive and coordinating force within the climate finance ecosystem.

The full outcomes from this dialogue will be included in the FRLD’s annual report that will be presented at the upcoming COP and CMA, shaping future climate finance policies. The dialogue will set the stage for continuous engagement, ensuring sustainable and inclusive financial mechanisms for affected communities.

Distributed by African Media Agency. on behalf of IC Publications

About the FRLD:

The Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) addresses the urgent and growing needs of vulnerable communities in developing countries facing the irreversible impacts of climate change. It finances initiatives to help vulnerable communities recover from climate-related losses and damage resulting from incidents such as climate-induced extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate-induced crises. These initiatives are tailored to respond directly to country-specific needs and priorities, ensuring that solutions are locally driven and contextually appropriate.

Media Contact:

Giulia Pivetti

Email: g.pivetti@icpublications.com

WhatsApp: +39 340 276 8881

Margaret Mutesi 

Email: mmutesi@frld.org

Mobile: +1 202 6501312

Source : African Media Agency (AMA)

Malawi, SADC

Speech President Peter Mutharika Addressing The UN Conference on SDGS on Behalf of Least Developed Countries

Ufulu

I rise to speak on behalf of the Least Developed Countries across the world. This is the collective voice of those struggling with structural impediments to socioeconomic development.

In our common stand, we take this opportunity to express our condolences to the Bahamas following the devastation and loss left by Hurricane Dorian. The suffering of one is the suffering for all because we all suffer pain as one humankind.

Excellences,
As we rise forward to the last decade of the Sustainable Development Agenda, multilateralism is critical. We always need to define, see and pursue shared goals. And we pursue common goals across challenges of finance, climate change and technology.

These are issues that impact how we learn, work, interact and live.
Contrary to the reality that we are countries with the greatest potential to develop, we have become the countries that globally trail behind in development. We are on the worst side of global inequality. But we are also concerned that the widening digital divide threatens to leave LDCs farther behind.

The situation of LDCs demands immediate and belligerent action. The following statistics underscore this fact.

Growth rate in LDCs is projected to decline to 4.6 percent in 2019. More than 35 percent of the population in LDCs are living under extreme poverty. LDCs are hosting 30 percent of all undernourished people of the world.

About 49 percent of our population do not have access to electricity. Internet access only stands at 17 percent. The share of manufacturing in LDCs remains low. As a result, we are forced to be importers and consumers while unemployment of the Youth rises.

But danger has a way of striking most vulnerable economies and societies. We are the countries that suffer most devastations of climate change. And yet, Least Developed Countries contribute the least to pollution and climate change.
Our societies are characterized by widespread inequality. We are societies with the most vulnerable people on Earth. This means we have more vulnerable people who suffer the worst of tragedies of climate change.

Climate change has already warmed the world by around 1ºC. This is bad enough. Another half a degree Celsius (0.5 C) rise in temperature would cause more devastating consequences to life on Earth. And the Least Developed Countries would be the worst affected.

The report on the International Cooperation on Humanitarian Assistance in natural disasters confirms that climate change now brings more frequent, more intense, and more devastating consequences on humanity. This calls for greater investment in climate action.

The latest report on State of Food Security and Nutrition in the world suggests that food insecurity may increase in the near future to acute crisis levels. The report has warned that agricultural production may drop in many vulnerable countries. The consequent food insecurity would have more tragic implications on nutrition and public health.

Mr. President,
Our situation is our responsibility. Our plight is our duty. But our efforts to mobilize resources domestically are constrained by serious challenges.

Yet, bilateral official development assistance to LDCs is falling. In 2018, this assistance once again fell by 3 percent. As I speak, less official development assistance is going to LDCs and African countries, where it is most needed.

Further, Least Development Countries do not meaningfully benefit from the global trading system. The volume of LDCs exports remains at 0.9 percent. This is far below the target of doubling their share of global exports by 2020. Only 1.8 percent of the global Foreign Direct Investment is going to our countries.

There is actually no progress in implementing the investment promotion regime for LDCs as promised in Addis Ababa. Five of the seven countries in debt distress are LDCs. In fact, a number of them are at high risk of debt distress. More than 10 percent of our export earnings are spent on servicing debt.

Mr. President,

We cannot wait any longer to change the current state of the Least Developed Countries. We must take action now or never! Action must be taken by us or nobody will.

Both LDCs and our development partners need to double our efforts to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. Let us be creative and innovative to increase our domestic resource mobilization.

At the same time, development partners must deliver their commitments. Development partners committed to mobilize 100 billion US dollars annually by 2020. Let us deliver our commitment.

For the sake of humanity, let us act now!

Thank you for your attention!