11/15/2022

IKI networking event at COP27

The annual UN Climate Change Conferences are always a good opportunity for the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and its projects from all over the world to get in touch with each other, to get to know each other personally and to share experiences.

During COP27 in SharmEl-Sheikh, Egypt, the IKI hosted a networking event for and with a wide range of implementing organisations. The event was very well attended with about 60 participants. Large implementing organisations such as ICLEI, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) or the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) were represented, as well as local implementing organisations such as People, Energy and Environment Development Association (PEEDA) from Nepal.

Questions and answers on IKI funding opportunities

First, representatives of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMUV) and the Federal Foreign Office (AA) presented the latest developments of the IKI in 2022. A special focus of the presentation was on the priorities of the currently open IKI Thematic Call 2022. In addition, the programmes IKI Medium Grants and IKI Small Grants were presented.

Afterwards, the guests had the opportunity to ask their questions about the programmes and to express suggestions for further development. This opportunity was lively: For example, it was discussed that most of the priorities of the thematic call relate more to more developed countries and leave fewer points of contact for the most vulnerable or "least developed countries" (LDCs). Questions were also asked about the importance of the agriculture and food sector for IKI funding.

Group ideation on current topics

In the second part of the networking evening, the participants had a lively discussion in groups about the further development of IKI projects. The main topics were

1. the integration of local actors and structures ("local content"),
2. the leveraging of private financing and
3. successful strategies for sustainable impact and financing of IKI projects beyond their duration ("exit strategy").

Among the suggestions collected and worked out in the group discussions were, for example, ideas on how capacity building approaches could be implemented directly through projects, so that project participants can continue to implement the results locally after the end of the project. There was also discussion on how to "de-risk" projects and build up confidence between governments and the private sector - while at the same time reducing administrative hurdles.

After the formal part of the evening, participants took the opportunity to continue their inspiring conversations at an outdoor reception.

The IKI team would like to warmly thank all participants for the countless and positive ideas that they expressed and collected during the IKI networking evening. After COP27, the results of the event will be evaluated and integrated into the further development of the IKI.