From September 30 to October 2, the NDCs 3.0 Regional Forum for Asia took place in Bangkok, Thailand, organised by ESCAP, UNEP, UNDP, and the NDC Partnership, in cooperation with the UNFCCC secretariat. Hosted by the Government of Thailand, this forum brought together technical government officials, UN agencies, and partner organisations to discuss how countries can effectively develop their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), due in 2025. The forum not only facilitated valuable technical and financial exchanges but also opened up new opportunities for regional and international collaboration, all while emphasizing the importance of tailoring these efforts to national contexts.
As part of the event, Radina Vassileva, Deputy Head of the MAF’s Technical Support Unit, lead a key discussion on finance and NDCs during the breakout sessions. Together with a representative from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), she explored the role of the private sector in driving forward bankable projects, engaging in three rounds of discussions with government officials. Sharing best practices from the MAF portfolio, the discussion illustrated how private sector engagement is essential for initiating and sustaining the transformation toward carbon-neutral development.
On the first day of the forum, Vassileva also had the opportunity to meet with Miss Nareerat Panmanee, Director of the Strategy and International Cooperation Division at the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE) within Thailand’s Ministry of Environment. They discussed potential funding opportunities from the MAF and highlighted key features of projects funded by the Facility. Vassileva added: “This in-country meeting was part of the ongoing promotion of Calls for Proposals, as encouraged by our donors, and I am optimistic that it will pave the way for new, impactful climate initiatives in the country and the region.”
This forum was a testament to the power of collective action and the critical role that both public and private sectors play in shaping a sustainable, carbon-neutral future.