Building resilience, ecosystems and communities through nature-based interventions

13:00-14:00 | State of Qatar Pavilion

Hosted by the Qatar Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer effective pathways for climate resilience by leveraging natural processes to mitigate climate risks, support biodiversity, and enhance socio-economic benefits. These interventions – ranging from reforestation and marine conservation to sustainable agriculture and urban green infrastructure – help communities adapt to climate change while supporting local economies and ecological health.

This high-level side event will explore the transformative role of NbS in climate adaptation, sustainable development, and ecosystem resilience. It will cover innovative financial mechanisms for funding NbS, recent advancements in research and technology that enhance NbS implementation, and effective investment approaches that deliver economic benefits to communities.

By bringing together policymakers, experts and industry leaders, the event aims to inspire collaborative solutions that integrate NbS into national and global climate strategies.

• UNOPS Regional Director for Africa, Dalila Gonçalves, will join the panel discussions.

Buying green: How public procurement can shape a sustainable future

14:00 - 15:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Danish Pavilion

Co-hosted by UNOPS and the government of Denmark

This panel discussion will highlight the significant impact sustainable procurement can have on climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, while also fostering local economic development. By sharing insights and examples from around the globe, including Denmark's leading practices, the session will explore how sustainable procurement can be a powerful tool for governments, suppliers and the private sector to collaborate effectively on reducing their climate footprint.

The discussion will feature successful initiatives including UNOPS Possibilities Forum and Delivering Responsibility in Vendor Engagement (DRiVE) program, demonstrating how capacity-building and sustainable procurement programmes have enhanced the ability of public and private sectors to conduct business in a more sustainable way.

Moderator: Niels Tanderup Kristensen, Director of New Markets and Partners, cBrain.

Introductory video message by Danish climate entrepreneur Thomas Andersson, host of the podcast Next Frontier, focused on supply chain sustainability.

Panelists:

• H.E Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Madagascar
• Kirstine Damkjaer, UNOPS Deputy Executive Director – Delivery and Partnerships
• Peter Møllgaard, Chairperson of the Danish Climate Council
• Morten Østergaard, Head of GovTech & Climate Solutions, cBrain; and former Deputy Prime Minister of Denmark

Read more

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How responsible artificial intelligence and digital equity can drive inclusive sustainability

14:45 - 15:15 | COP29 Green Zone – Deloitte Booth (C2)

As artificial intelligence transforms industries, its impact on sustainability and inclusion takes centre stage.

Presented in collaboration with The Female Quotient, this panel brings together industry leaders to explore the intersection of AI, digital equity and climate action. The event will explore how responsible AI can drive sustainable practices, foster inclusion, and establish equitable digital access, empowering countries to address climate change effectively.

Moderator:

• Ann Rosenberg, EVP Strategy and Global Expansion, SustainableIT.org
  

Speakers:

• Steve Goldbach, US Sustainability leader, Deloitte

• Worknesh Gonet, Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Ethiopia

• Krasina Mileve, Founder and CEO, DOVU

• Khalisa Shahverdiyeva, Senior Consultant, World Bank Group

Santiago Network for Loss and Damage: Catalyzing technical assistance for enhanced resilience

17:45 - 18:45 | COP29 Blue Zone – Resilience Hub (G5a)

Hosted by the Santiago network (Hosted by UNOPS and UNDRR)

A scene-setting panel discussion to showcase progress being made in operationalizing the Santiago network to countries and stakeholders with expertise in loss and damage. The event will dive into the progress made in the operationalization of the Santiago network, its added value in light of the evolving landscape related to loss and damage, and will discuss perspectives on the role of the network in enhancing capacities of developing countries to avert, minimize and address loss and damage.

Speakers:

• Akio Takemoto and Alpha Kaloga, Co-Chairs, Advisory Board of the Santiago network

• Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director of the Santiago network secretariat

The panel discussion will be followed by an interactive discussion with organizations, bodies, networks and experts.

Closing the gap: Innovative finance for global sustainability

14:30 - 15:10 | Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard

This event is part of the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2024, hosted inside the Climate Action Innovation Zone at COP29.

• UNOPS Deputy Executive Director – Delivery and Partnerships, Kirstine Damkjaer, will join the panel discussion.

Read more | Watch the event live online (registration required)

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How to strengthen infrastructure for a climate-resilient future

15:15 - 17:30 | Radisson Hotel Baku

Co-hosted by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT)

• UNOPS Head of Strategic Initiatives – Infrastructure and Project Management, Samantha Stratton-Short, will participate in the session.

Transformative climate finance for Africa

9:30 – 11:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Joint MDBS Pavilion

Hosted by the African Development Bank (AfdB)

This event will provide a comprehensive overview of climate finance options at the African Development Bank – promoting contributions from donors, new partnerships and better access. It will highlight the achievements of the AfDB and other organizations active in Africa, as well as strategies and ambitions for climate action and for accelerating the transition of the continent to a sustainable, low-emissions and resilient economic development and green growth.

Moderator:

• Dr. Anthony Nyong, Director of Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank

Speakers:

• Dalila Gonçalves, UNOPS Regional Director for Africa

• Sena Alouka, Togo Official Negotiator & Director Jeunes Volontaires pour l'Environnement (JVE International)

• Lida Fitts, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Infrastructure, African Development Bank Treasury

• Vomic Nur Shah, Global Head of Origination, UK Export Finance

• Richard Nelson, Head of Power Africa, US Aid

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From promise to progress: Tackling the climate implementation gap
11:10 - 11:30 | Baku Marriott Hotel Boulevard

This event is part of the Sustainable Innovation Forum 2024, hosted inside the Climate Action Innovation Zone at COP29.

This discussion will focus on the critical importance of closing the implementation gap to achieve global climate and development goals, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas. It will highlight the role of partnerships and innovation, and provide actionable insights on how to improve future initiatives.

• David Gilles, Journalist, New York Times

• UNOPS Executive Director, Jorge Moreira Da Silva, will participate in the session.

Speakers will participate in a fireside chat, as well as an interactive Q&A with audience members.

Read more  | Watch the event live online (registration required)

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Resilient shores: Long-term investment for safeguarding Kiribati's coastlines in the face of climate change

10:00-10:50 | Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Hosted by the government of Kiribati

This event will explore the programmatic approaches by low lying atoll nations to attract climate financing for safeguarding coastlines and strengthening their community resilience.

The session will highlight ongoing efforts to protect Kiribati's coastlines. It will explore the role of nature-based and resilient infrastructure solutions, and discuss how local communities are actively engaged in shaping their climate adaptation strategies.

• UNOPS Senior Advisor in the Asia Pacific, Simonetta Siligato, will join the panel discussion.

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From commitments to action: Mobilizing climate finance for effective implementation

15:00 - 16:30 | COP29 Blue Zone (Zone B) – Side Event Room 8

Co-hosted by UNOPS and the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre

This event will explore the critical aspects of climate finance, with a focus on ensuring accessible climate finance; empowering country-driven solutions; and strengthening platforms for collaboration.

• UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva will participate in a fireside chat with Dr. Joyce Banda, former President of Malawi and Pan African Climate justice champion, followed by a panel discussion and an interactive Q&A with audience members.

Energizing healthcare: Accelerating universal quality healthcare through policy, planning, procurement and performance

9:00 - 10:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – World Health Organization Pavilion (B3)

Co-hosted by UNOPS, World Bank and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

Climate change is negatively impacting health in many ways –- including through air pollution, infectious and vector borne diseases, extreme weather events that displace communities and destroy public health infrastructure, among others. Estimates show that close to 1 billion people in low- and lower-middle-income countries are served by health-care facilities without reliable electricity access or with no electricity access at all.

This session will explore real-world examples and best practices to accelerate electrification for healthcare through policy, planning, procurement and long-term performance.

• UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva will provide a keynote address at the session.

Promoting low-carbon energy transition and accelerating global action

10:00 - 11:30 | Venue TBC

Co-hosted by the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), the UNFCCC Secretariat and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

• UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva will join the session as a panelist.

The Philippines' multisectoral approach to achieving a just energy transition
14:00 - 15:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Philippines Pavilion 

Hosted by the UNOPS-managed Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP)

This panel discussion will explore the Philippines' recently updated Philippine Energy Plan, which underscores the country’s ambitious energy transition goals.

The session will bring together representatives from the Philippine government and development partners to discuss the Energy Plan and the efforts being undertaken to meet the clean energy scenario targets in alignment with the country’s climate commitments, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Through diverse perspectives, the discussion aims to highlight critical policy enablers, non-government support, and collaborative strategies essential for achieving a resilient energy system, enhancing readiness for greater clean energy integration, and fostering an equitable energy future in the Philippines.

Moderator

• Mr. John Cotton, Southeast Asia, Energy Transition Partnership, Senior Program Manager

Panelists:

• Michael Sinocruz, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau Director, Department of Energy (Philippines)

• Romil Hernandez, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities – Grid enhancements

• Suba Sivakumaran, UNESCAP - Financing energy transition

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Closing the time gap: Accelerating AI for environmental permitting in green energy projects

15:15 - 16:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Danish Pavilion (H8)

Co-hosted by the government of Denmark and cBrain

• UNOPS Director of the Global Portfolio Office and Director of Partnerships, Émilie Potvin, will join the session as a speaker.

Santiago network: Catalyzing technical assistance for loss and damage

10:00 - 11:30 | COP29 Blue Zone – Saleemul Huq Action Research Exchange (SHARE) Hub (E06)

This event will provide stakeholders working in the loss and damage area with updated information on the Santiago network, including guidance on membership, delivery of technical assistance and information on financial resources for technical assistance.

The event will be an opportunity to consult with stakeholders on understanding how the network can facilitate in matching the existing expertise with identified technical assistance needs and support existing gaps. 

Moderator:

• Carolina Fuentes Castellanos, Director of the Santiago network secretariat

Opening remarks: Alpha Kaloga, Co-Chair, Santiago network Advisory Board 

Presentation by Animesh Kumar and Le-Anne Roper, UNDRR

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Global Framework for Action: Harnessing sustainable and circular public procurement to drive demand for near-zero emissions and resilient buildings

16:00 – 17:30 | COP29 Buildings Pavilion (Virtual session)

Hosted by One Planet Network and UNEP

Read more and watch the Live stream of this event here.

This high-level virtual session will bring together diverse stakeholders to explore the use of public procurement as an instrument for better planning and designing sustainable, circular, near-zero and resilient public buildings. The panel discussion will include sharing experiences and a call for international cooperation to support a Global Framework for Action.

• UNOPS Director of Procurement, Anne-Claire Howard, will provide opening remarks.

• UNOPS will launch the National Circularity Assessment Framework for Buildings as part of this event. 

Read more.

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Cities for Her: Gender-Inclusive Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFE) Climate Solutions

9:30 - 10:30 | SDG7 Global South Pavilion (G12a)

Hosted by Cities Alliance (hosted by UNOPS)

Climate change poses significant challenges to cities, with more frequent extreme weather events, heatwaves, rising sea levels and increasing food and water insecurity. These challenges often exacerbate existing gender inequalities. Women, due to socio-economic factors and traditional roles in resource management, are disproportionately affected by these changes and remain underrepresented in decision-making processes.

A Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) perspective offers a way forward by integrating gender considerations across all sectors. This approach calls for common and integrated strategies that acknowledge the cascading effects, externalities, and interconnections between water, energy, and food security. By doing so, cities can create more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.

This event will launch a new toolkit, Her4WEFE: Gender Perspectives on Urban Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems, and highlight practical tools and methodologies for applying a gender-sensitive approach to the WEFE nexus in cities.

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How much (or little) climate finance focuses on the urban poor?

13:00 - 13:40 | COP29 Blue Zone – Swedish Pavilion (C17)

Hosted by Cities Alliance (hosted by UNOPS)

Read more about this event here.

The urban poor are disproportionately affected by climate change and more likely to live in disaster-prone areas – yet they can also be crucial agents of transformative change. However, without adequate climate finance, local and global climate goals are out of reach, indicating the need for enhanced cooperation and climate action, locally-led by the most vulnerable as well as through increased financial support.

This event will launch a new publication by Cities Alliance, ‘Climate finance for the urban poor: A review of the global climate funds and will highlight the insufficient amount of climate finance targeting the urban poor. The discussion will explore some of the challenges in accessing finance, the effectiveness of locally-led climate action for addressing poverty, and how we can catalyze more finance for this critical population.

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Experiences of ECCAS member countries in the preparation of transparency frameworks as a basis for BTRs, NDCs, and LT-LEDS

13:30-15:30 | COP29 Blue Zone – Commission Climat du Bassin du Congo and Fonds Bleu pour le Bassin du Congo Pavilion (CCBC/F2BC Pavilion) (I2)

Co-hosted by the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT)

This event will be conducted in French.

This event is organized by ICAT’s regional climate action transparency hub in Central Africa, hosted by ECCAS. Since its creation in 2022, the hub has been supporting Central African States to strengthen their transparency frameworks to enhance domestic climate action capacity and meet their Paris Agreement commitments.

The event will present efforts made by ECCAS member countries in preparing reports and policy documents to be submitted to the UNFCCC, including BTRs, NDCs and long-term low-emission development strategies (LT-LEDS). It will feature country experiences in preparing transparency frameworks and progress in implementing transparency improvement plans. It will also highlight opportunities and challenges identified during workshops organized in the region, take stock of the support provided to mobilize resources to implement climate action transparency action plans, and identify elements for a roadmap for next steps.

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Next generation NDCs: Catalyzing economy-wide transformation

18:30-20:00 | Side-event room 2

Co-hosted by ICAT, Chile, United Kingdom, World Resources Institute (WRI) and We Mean Business Coalition

This event will be live streamed*

The next generation of NDCs, due early next year, presents a crucial opportunity for countries to drive climate action for years to come. Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celcius requires transforming nearly every sector globally. This means countries should aim for setting ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2035, and jumpstart a strategic planning process within ministries for sectoral transformation. A data-driven approach, founded in transparency, enables countries to develop ambitious and realistic NDC targets, and sets the path for informed decision making at the national level.

This COP29 side event will bring together leading voices from the public and private spheres to reflect on the upcoming NDC updates and how they can guide the transformation of economies and societies to meet the Paris Agreement’s objectives. Speakers will discuss the importance of different sectors – such as energy, agriculture and transport – to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels and create economic growth. It will also shed light on the power of engaging cities and the private sector.

Speakers:

• H.E. Juan Carlos Muñoz Abogabir, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Chile

• H.E. Edward Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, United Kingdom

• Representatives from Kenya, Rwanda, WRI, We Mean Business Coalition

* Please note, online attendance requires registration online as a virtual COP29 participant. Once registered, live streaming will be available on the COP29 digital platform accessible to virtual conference participants.

Strengthening climate action transparency in Central Asia: Lessons, needs and future directions

11:30 – 13:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Kazakhstan Pavilion (F4)

Co-hosted by ICAT and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC)

The event will be held in Russian with interpretation to English.

Participate in this session online by registering here.

This event is organized by ICAT’s regional climate action transparency hub in Central Asia, hosted by CAREC. It will review key achievements from the first three years of the hub, highlighting capacity building of national and regional experts on greenhouse gas inventory management, adaptation tracking, and climate finance. It will also discuss needs in advancing climate transparency across the countries of Central Asia and outline plans for expanding the hub into new areas of engagement and deeper in-country support.

The event will engage regional experts, government representatives, and international stakeholders to continue enhancing transparency systems in an effort to enable Central Asian countries to meet their climate obligations and effectively contribute to global climate action.

Speakers:

• Mansur Oshurbaev, Vice-Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Republic of Kazakhstan

• Zafar Makhmudov, CAREC Executive Director

• Henning Wuester, ICAT Director

• Representatives from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan

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Urban water security in a changing climate: Innovative approaches for resilient cities

14:00 - 15:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Danish Pavilion 

Hosted by State of Green in collaboration with Our Future Water 

This panel will explore the critical role of water security in urban resilience against climate challenges. Featuring experts from policy, industry, and academia, the session will showcase how innovative strategies – like digital tools, adaptive governance, and integrated urban planning – can enhance water management and support cities in managing water-related risks. Participants will gain insights into successful models and practical solutions that advance urban water security in the face of climate change.

• UNOPS Head of Strategic Initiatives – Infrastructure and Project Management, Samantha Stratton-Short, will participate in the session.

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Community-led climate adaptation and action in informal settlements

17:00-18:00 / 2:00-3:00 CET | Virtual session (via Zoom) 

Hosted by Cities Alliance (hosted by UNOPS) in partnership with Slum Dwellers International (SDI) and International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED)

Moderator:

• Mara Forbes, Urban Development Specialist, Cities Alliance

Speakers:

• Julie Greenwalt, Senior Climate Advisor, Cities Alliance

• Marcelle Mardon, Researcher (urban poverty and informality), IIED

• Centre of Dialogue on Human Settlement and Poverty Alleviation (CODOHSAPA) / Federation of the Urban and Rural Poor (FEDURP) Sierra Leone

• ACTogether Uganda / National Slum Dwellers Federation of Uganda (NSDFU)

• People’s Process of Housing and Poverty in Zambia (PPHPZ) / Zambia Homeless and Poor People’s Federation (ZHPPF)

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Transparency for effectively managing climate finance

19:00-20:00 | COP29 Blue Zone – Shirvan Special Event Room (Area B)

Co-hosted by ICAT, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and the Center for Clean Air Policy (CCAP)

Climate finance transparency enhances countries’ capacity to effectively manage resources for climate change mitigation and adaptation, including estimating financial needs for climate actions and associated impact towards national climate targets. Additionally, it helps report domestically and internationally on climate finance flows, building trust among countries and stakeholders.

This event will explore how data can be used to effectively manage and attract funds for climate action. It will mark the launch of the ICAT Climate Finance Transparency Guide, developed with support by CCAP, which provides guidance to developing countries in establishing and implementing national climate finance transparency frameworks.

The event will also showcase country experiences with setting up transparency frameworks to mobilize, track and allocate climate finance for maximum impact.

UNOPS Climathon 2024

Full day | UN City Copenhagen, Denmark 

Hosted by UNOPS 

As part of our broader COP29 events programme, UNOPS is hosting a dynamic climate-focused problem-solving event at UN City, Copenhagen.  

The event will bring together local university students from diverse academic backgrounds, alongside UNOPS experts, to tackle a real-world climate challenge related to a UNOPS project. The event will focus on developing practical, actionable solutions to inspire future climate leaders, foster innovation and empower youth to take a leading role in driving sustainable change.