Climate mainstreaming for green economic recovery

In their Opening Statements, Mr Amer Bukvic (IsDB) and Ms. Carol Chouchani Cherfane (UN-ESCWA) introduced the concept of climate mainstreaming. The IsDB climate change strategy as well as experiences and initiatives for improving performance and sharing learning for enhanced climate action were presented. UN-ESCWA highlighted that mainstreaming climate action is a multistage process. As such, science-based assessment tools, integrated planning instruments, financing options as well as monitoring mechanisms are needed for ambitious climate action.

In the panel discussion, speakers shared national examples of climate change-related challenges faced by the different sectors and highlighted the need for investments in adaptation actions. Panelists also underscored the cross-cutting nature of climate change, relating in particular to the water, energy, transport and health sector, and showcased country experiences of successful climate mainstreaming in these strategic sectors. They called for enhanced cross-sectoral as well as regional cooperation to share knowledge and experiences and coordinate climate action. Speakers also highlighted the need for well-designed monitoring and evaluation tools to build trust and crowd in additional climate finance.

During the open discussion, participants highlighted the need to bring environmental and social goals closer together by fostering the understanding that ambitious climate action will secure the wellbeing of the people. Participants underscored the need for increased regional cooperation. Participants also raised concerns about increasing budget pressures at the national level due to rising inflation, pointing to the need of crowding in international climate finance. Further efforts in capacity building to access climate finance were also called for. Participants also discussed the role of universities and academia as centers for innovation to develop innovative solutions for scaling up climate action.