Unlocking finance for urban settlement resilience to water and heat climate hazards: cases from Togo, Indonesia, Jordan

Addressing the growing exposure of urban settlements to water- and heat- related climate hazards, while overcoming persistent financing barriers, requires innovative financial tools, strong partnerships, and early engagement from financiers. This includes mobilising non-traditional sources of financing and the private sector. In order to respond to these needs, the event brings together cities, international financial institutions, and developmental partners. The event will have three parts. A- Keynote opening Sets the stage for global adaptation efforts in low- and middle- income countries, as well as the pressing need for collaboration between cities and development partners for enhancing the resilience of urban settlements to water-related hazards. B- Case studies with Q&A Each city/government, alongside a respective development/financier partner(s), will showcase a case study of how financing for their climate resilience project was achieved and how the climate question was addressed. Each presentation will be followed up by a brief moderated Q&A. The partnerships highlighted will be: Atakpamé (Togo)-EIB & UMDF; BAPPENAS (Indonesia)-AIIB; Sahab (Jordan)-UN-Habitat. C- Fishbowl discussion In this last component, the moderator allows audience members, e.g., city officials, to join the speakers in a circle discussion in rotation. Audience members will be encouraged to provide either a) lessons from their own experience that may support speaker cities or b) seek guidance from the speakers on their own initiatives to enhance climate resilience in settlements. With this format, cities, Project Preparation Facilities, and Multilateral Development Banks will be able to present first-hand experience and concrete solutions to unlock climate finance flows necessary for adaptation projects which improve the resilience of urban settlements to water- and heat- related climate risks. Additionally, through ample opportunity for exchange, this event also aims to create spaces for peer-to-peer learning for speakers and attendants. This event is primarily targeted at city practitioners and decision-makers responsible for urban planning, housing, water management and climate resilience. It also seeks to engage national government representatives who develop policies and financing frameworks that enable city-level action. In addition, the session is designed for global financial institutions to strengthen partnerships and unlock adaptation finance.