Upscaling Climate Finance Investment and Mobilization: The Potential of National Green Facilities in Southeast Asia and Beyond

Organized with:

Description

As a region particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, Southeast Asia requires a step-change in funding and support for green projects, mitigation measures, and adaptive strategies. Traditional financing methods, while foundational, are insufficient to meet the scale of the challenge. One promising approach are National Green Facilities (NGFs), known variously as Green Finance Facilities, Green Investment Banks, or National Climate Funds—i.e., country-driven, dedicated, catalytic funds and/or financial institutions designed to mobilize capital for national climate action. Around the world NGFs are emerging as pivotal instruments to deliver NDC and adaptation goals, and especially to spur engagement from the private sector. The actionable lessons from these models can help realize the potential of NGFs in Southeast Asia to mobilize capital at scale.

Objectives

This session seeks to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the potential of National Green Finance Facilities (NGFs) in Southeast Asia, and by extension, provide insight into their potential in other developing regions globally. It would provide a platform for practitioner dialogue on the establishment, operation, and impact of NGFs, bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders. Participants will have an understanding of different green bank models and their role in helping governments, MDBs, and other climate finance providers to unlock new funding channels.

Target participants

This session is relevant to government representatives in the ministries of finance and line ministries from environmental or planning departments. Delegates from development finance institutions, including bilateral and multilateral agencies, representatives from climate funds, and the broader financial sector are encouraged to attend. Participants will gain an understanding of different green bank models and their role in helping governments, MDBs, and other financiers to access and allocate capital for climate action.

Resource speakers

Panel discussion

• Baysa Naran, Manager, Climate Policy Initiative
• Gan Gan Dirgantara, Head of Environmental, Social, and Technical Evaluation Division, PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur
• David Woods, Deputy Chair, New Zealand Green Investment Finance
• John McGinley, Managing Partner – Mekong Strategic Capital / Advisor USAID (Cambodia Climate Financing Facility)
• Shamsul Bahar, Group Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corp (MGTC)
• Yukiko Omura, Senior Independent Director, Private Infrastructure Development Group

Moderator

• Scott Roberts, Head, Southeast Asia, Green Finance Unit, ADB