Multilateral climate finance is disbursed largely on an ex-ante basis, requiring multi-year feasibility studies and approval processes before funds are released. Kiribati's engagement with the Green Climate Fund Readiness process, now spanning close to a decade, illustrates how these timelines can outpace the urgency facing frontline atoll states. The resulting delays prolong exposure for communities least able to absorb it, including women, children, older people and persons with disabilities. This constraint is shared across SIDS, reflecting a common pattern of acute physical vulnerability, narrow fiscal bases, and limited capacity to carry financing costs while awaiting approval. The proposal gives practical effect to the special circumstances of SIDS recognised under Articles 4.8 and 4.9 of the UNFCCC and reaffirmed under the Paris Agreement. It does so through differentiated fiduciary arrangements, simplified baseline requirements and expedited review timelines, applying commitments that already exist in the framework.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Hon. Ruth Cross Kwansing, Minister, Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs, Others (tbc)