Dr Enayet Karim, editor of The Daily Industry, President, Global Economist Forum, discussed climate and environmental programme financing in Bangladesh with Andrea Selmi, an analyst at ICCAP (Inclusive Climate Finance for Vulnerable Communities in Asia Pacific), on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
Their discussion focused on expanding access to climate adaptation finance for vulnerable communities and mobilising investment to support climate-resilient development in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is among six countries covered by ICCAP, an initiative funded by the German government's International Climate Initiative (IKI) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The other participating countries are Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Laos and Nepal.
The initiative aims to connect local communities with domestic and international investors to increase funding for climate adaptation programmes and address the growing risks faced by vulnerable populations.
Under the programme, the Association of Food and Agricultural Credit Associations (APRACA) is working with policymakers to create an enabling environment for climate-friendly investment, while the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) is engaging with communities to identify local needs and priorities.
The consortium is expected to formally begin its activities by the end of 2027. By 2029, ICCAP aims to directly benefit 14,000 people and indirectly reach at least two million people through climate adaptation interventions.
The initiative seeks to strengthen climate finance mechanisms and ensure that resources reach communities most exposed to climate-related risks.
