The Pacific Island Countries (PICs) in general have been relatively successful in accessing climate finance, but the amount of funding flowing into the Pacific is far below what is needed to address the region’s needs. While more funding is needed, a key issue is the supply of fundable and bankable climate change projects and PICs and regional entities have faced numerous constraints in developing projects that meet the stringent requirements of financiers. Recent momentum generated to catalyze private sector investment and use innovative financing including blue and green bonds, blended finance, and other financing mechanisms, calls for additional support to PICs to reach the level of readiness needed to access new finance. This panel will provide an opportunity to reflect on the experience to date in accessing climate finance and share lessons on what has worked well, and what are remaining areas where support is needed in establishing effective project support and preparation facilities in the Pacific. We hope to gain insight from accredited national and regional entities in the Pacific, key government entities, as well as perspectives from the Green Climate Fund as the world’s largest climate fund and the catalytic role it can play in accelerating finance for PICs.

Expo City Dubai: Commonwealth Pavilion – Blue Zone

	Moderator Kena Vasquez Director of Climate and Environment Services, DT Global
	Panelist Setaita Tamanikaiyaroi Manager Climate & Eco Finance, Fiji Development Bank
	Panelist Sefanaia Newadra Director General, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
	Panelist Kushaal Raj Pacific Policy Director of Conservation International Pacific
	Panelist Noa Seru Technical Climate Finance Advisor - Pacific, DT Global
	Panelist Hidde Bunk Restructuring and Cancellation Specialist, Green Climate Fund

Join COP 28 using the virtual platform: https://unfccc.int/cop28/virtual