At COP29 Azerbaijan, called the Climate Finance COP, AE4RIA and SDSN Global Climate Hub, in partnership with the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub, hosted a high-level panel discussion titled “Climate Finance for Sustainable Regions and Cities.” This event addressed urgent challenges and transformative opportunities in mobilizing climate finance to propel urban and regional efforts toward achieving net- zero objectives.
Moderated by Prof. Phoebe Koundouri, this distinguished panel of experts offered a unique platform to delve into innovative financial mechanisms, emerging funding models, and the critical role of collaboration among research institutions, policymakers, and the private sector. The discussion highlighted actionable strategies to enhance resilience and promote sustainable development across cities and regions. The speakers facilitated an inspiring exchange of ideas and solutions, underscoring the urgent need to bridge the climate finance gap and accelerate the transition toward resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban futures.
Speakers: María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, Former President of the United Nations General Assembly; Director, GWL Voices for Change and Inclusion; Dr. Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt; Dr. Shaun Fitzgerald, Director of the Centre for Climate Repair, University of Cambridge; Dr. Gene Leon, Executive Director of the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity; Dr. Ebun Akinsete, Senior Researcher at AE4RIA; Co-Chair, SDSN Greece; Dr. Conrad Landis, Senior Researcher at AE4RIA; Adjunct Professor, Athens University of Economics and Business.
