Big Promises: Where is the Fund for Loss and Damage?

After decades of resistance, a long-awaited fund aimed at assisting lower-income countries in addressing natural disasters is beginning to take form at the U.N. climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Wealthier nations agreed to establish the fund during the 2022 climate summit in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Last year, several countries, including the U.S. and the EU, made initial financial contributions. The fund now has a designated leader and is preparing to begin distributing funds within the coming year.

The Loss and Damage Fund aims to address the devastating impacts of climate change, from gradual phenomena like rising sea levels and biodiversity loss to rapid-onset events such as floods and wildfires. But questions remain about how this mechanism can ensure effective and equitable support—especially for communities in fragile and conflict-affected regions, where climate impacts compound existing inequalities and risks.

Key Questions for the Discussion:
🟠 How can the Loss and Damage Fund avoid reinforcing existing inequalities and conflict dynamics?
🟠 What role does conflict sensitivity play in ensuring the fund’s success and equity?
🟠 How can the fund guarantee that the needs of communities affected by both climate change and conflict are met, without causing further harm?

We are thrilled to welcome two distinguished speakers:
🗨 Sebastian Lesch, Head of the Climate Policy Division, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) who will share insights into international climate policy and the mechanisms driving global cooperation on addressing climate impacts.
🗨 Hamira Kobusingye, 18th Bremen Solidarity Prize Winner and founder of Climate Justice Africa, an NGO based in Uganda that brings perspectives on grassroots advocacy and the lived experiences of communities on the frontlines of climate impacts.

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