WGEO Program at COP29

Joint Panel Discussion by WGEO & The UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub (UGIH)

Background

The intensifying climate crisis calls for innovative solutions that can be rapidly scaled and implemented. Global coalitions centered on climate innovation offer a powerful platform to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable technologies and practices. By uniting diverse stakeholders, these coalitions can harness collective expertise, resources,
and influence to drive transformative change.

Recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)2 reports underscore the urgency of climate mitigation and adaptation. Global coalitions have a pivotal role in fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and investment in climate-related research and development. By promoting innovation and scaling proven solutions, they help bridge the gap between climate ambition and action.

In Focus

Effective global coalitions for climate innovation3 require a strong foundation of trust, shared vision, and effective governance. These coalitions should be inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives, including governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. They should also have clear goals, strategies, and mechanisms for accountability.

Moreover, these coalitions should focus on addressing the specific needs and challenges of different regions and communities. By tailoring their efforts to local contexts, they can ensure that climate innovation benefits people and the planet equitably.

Questions for Panel Discussion

1. What are the critical success factors for building effective global coalitions focused on climate innovation?

• How can these coalitions foster trust, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders?
• What governance structures and mechanisms are most effective for ensuring the success of these coalitions?
• How can these coalitions leverage their collective influence to drive policy change and mobilize investment in climate innovation?

2. How can these coalitions facilitate equitable benefits across diverse geographic and economic landscapes?

• How can these coalitions address the specific needs and challenges of developing countries and vulnerable communities?
• What strategies can be employed to ensure that the benefits of climate innovation are distributed fairly and equitably?
• How can these coalitions promote the transfer of technology and knowledge to support climate action in developing countries?

3. What role do technological advancements play in enhancing the efficacy of these global coalitions?

• How can these coalitions leverage emerging technologies to accelerate climate innovation and improve decision-making?
• What are the potential risks and challenges associated with the adoption of new technologies, and how can these be addressed?
• How can these coalitions ensure that technological advancements are aligned with the principles of sustainability and equity?

Joint Panel Discussion by WGEO & UGIH

Background

The escalating climate crisis demands a fundamental transformation of industrial systems. Industry leaders play a pivotal role in driving this transition by adopting innovative practices, investing in clean technologies, and promoting systemic changes. By embracing green economy principles, industries can contribute to climate mitigation, resource conservation, and social equity.

Recent reports from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasize the urgent need for decarbonization across all sectors of the economy. Industry leaders must accelerate their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy
efficiency, and adopt sustainable business practices. By doing so, they can not only contribute to global climate goals but also enhance their competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

In Focus

To achieve significant progress in the green economy, industries must adopt a systemic approach that addresses the entire value chain. This includes investing in research and development, collaborating with suppliers and customers, and advocating for supportive policies. Additionally, industry leaders should embrace circular economy principles, which aim to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.

By fostering innovation and adopting sustainable practices, industries can create new business opportunities, improve their environmental performance, and enhance their reputation with stakeholders. Moreover, they can contribute to building a more resilient and equitable economy for future generations.

Questions for Panel Discussion

1. How can industry leaders foster systemic changes to achieve sustainability goals more rapidly?

• What strategies can industries employ to influence policy and regulatory frameworks that support a green economy?
• How can industry leaders collaborate with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to drive systemic change?
• What are the challenges and opportunities associated with transitioning to a circular economy?

2. What innovative practices can industries adopt to significantly reduce their carbon footprint?

• How can industries optimize their energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
• What role can emerging technologies play in decarbonizing industrial processes?
• How can industries integrate climate risk management into their business strategies?

3. How can industries be incentivized to integrate green economy principles into their core strategies?

• What financial incentives and market mechanisms can be used to promote sustainable business practices?
• How can industries enhance their reputation and brand value by demonstrating leadership in sustainability?
• What are the long-term benefits of adopting a green economy approach for businesses?

Panel Discussion by the Republic of Moldova, WGEO GAGE Member

Background

As the global community faces unprecedented climate challenges, Moldova is actively aligning its energy sector with sustainable and resilient growth models. A transition to a green economy—a system characterized by reduced emissions, efficient resource use, and social inclusiveness—is critical for ensuring long-term environmental and economic resilience. This session focuses on how the energy sector can support the shift to a lowcarbon economy, bolstering climate action and energy security.

Key Focus Areas This session will explore three main pillars essential for Moldova’s green economy and climate resilience through energy reform:

1. Strategic Integration of Green Energy Practices

• Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization: Adoption of energy-efficient practices and a gradual shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources, including wind and solar, are critical. Decarbonization efforts align with Moldova’s national targets and the European Green Deal.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development: Transitioning to green and resilient infrastructure that integrates renewable energy solutions, thus reducing overall carbon intensity in key sectors.
• Climate Risk Management: Incorporating climate risks into energy strategies to protect against future environmental, economic, and social challenges.

2. Political Engagement and Policy Development

• Policy Alignment with energy community: Strengthening collaboration with regional governments through the energy community framework, reinforcing commitments to climate adaptation, emission reduction, and sustainable energy policies.
• Inter-Ministerial and Regional Cooperation: Facilitating coordination between energy, environmental, and other ministries to harmonize green policies. Regional cooperation on energy initiatives, including the Central Europe Hydrogen Corridor, further enhances Moldova’s integration with EU energy markets.
• Green Economy Initiatives: Programs that promote the green economy at the national level, including support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), green jobs, and sustainable agriculture

3. Financial Mechanisms and Market Incentives

• Access to Green Finance: Implementing financing strategies to fund green projects, from renewable energy installations to eco-efficient technologies, supported by sustainability-linked bonds and loans.
• Cost Savings and Economic Benefits: Leveraging energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy to reduce operational costs and create long-term financial resilience in Moldova’s energy sector.
• Investment in Green Innovation: Promoting green technology and innovation to attract investments and build competitive, sustainable business models that align with environmental goals.

Panel Discussion Questions

1. How can energy sector reforms accelerate Moldova’s transition to a green economy?
2. What role do national policies and the energy community play in advancing sustainable energy and climate resilience?
3. How can Moldova address the financial challenges of green energy adoption, including access to green finance?
4. What strategies and innovations can the energy sector implement to support a circular economy and resource efficiency?
5. How can partnerships with local and regional governments enhance climate adaptation and mitigation efforts?
6. What incentives can drive the private sector towards green energy investment?

Expected Outcomes

This session aims to highlight concrete actions and strategies Moldova can adopt in its energy sector to support green and resilient growth. Through collaborative dialogue, the panel will present actionable solutions to advance Moldova’s green economy agenda, aligning with the energy community and European Green Deal objectives.

Joint Panel Discussion by WGEO & UGIH

Background

The escalating climate crisis poses significant challenges for developing nations, which are often disproportionately affected by climate impacts. Access to affordable and predictable climate finance is essential for these countries to implement climate mitigation and adaptation measures, achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), and build resilience. Despite progress in recent years, a substantial financing gap persists for climate action in developing countries.

The recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)6 highlights the urgent need for increased climate finance to address the growing impacts of climate change. Developing nations require substantial investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, climate-resilient infrastructure, and adaptation measures. However, these investments are often hindered by limited access to affordable and predictable financing.

One of the four programs supported by the World Green Economy Organization in the framework of the Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) is Climate Finance Enablers. The objective of the program is to unlock additional and scaled-up climate finance.

In Focus

To mobilize adequate and predictable climate finance for developing nations, a multifaceted approach is required.

This includes:

• Diversifying funding sources: Expanding beyond traditional sources of climate finance, such as public development assistance, to include private sector investment, climate bonds, and innovative financial instruments.
• Improving access to finance: Simplifying procedures, reducing transaction costs, and providing technical assistance to help developing countries access climate finance.
• Enhancing climate finance delivery: Strengthening national climate finance institutions, improving coordination among different funding sources, and ensuring that climate finance is aligned with national development priorities.
• Promoting climate-resilient investment: Encouraging investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, agriculture, and other sectors that can help developing countries adapt to climate change.

Questions for Panel Discussion

1. What mechanisms can be implemented to ensure consistent and predictable financial support for climate action in developing countries?

• How can international climate finance commitments be made more concrete and actionable?
• What role can innovative financial instruments, such as climate bonds and green loans, play in mobilizing private sector investment?
• How can the delivery of climate finance be streamlined to reduce transaction costs and delays?

2. How can climate finance be made more accessible to nations most vulnerable to climate impacts?

• What measures can be taken to address the debt burdens of developing countries and improve their financial resilience?
• How can climate finance be targeted to support the most vulnerable communities and sectors?
• What role can risk mitigation and insurance mechanisms play in reducing the financial risks associated with climate impacts?

3. What roles do international financial institutions play in enhancing the scale and impact of climate finance?

• How can multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions increase their lending for climate action?
• What reforms are needed to ensure that these institutions prioritize climatecompatible investments?
• How can international financial institutions support the development of national climate finance strategies?

Panel Discussion by Bain, WGEO Knowledge Partner

Background

Circular transformations are urgently needed in an increasingly resource constrained world. Humanity consumes 70% more resources than the earth’s ecosystem can regenerate, yet only 7.2% of materials that enter production processes today come from
circular sources. While the benefits of circularity are clear – greater resource efficiency, resilience, and long-term sustainability – implementing circularity principles at scale requires collaborative efforts across industries.

Organizations that align their strategies with circular principles are better equipped to navigate the trifecta of challenges posed by climate change, resource constraints, and shifting regulatory landscapes. However, achieving circular transformations hinges on building partnerships that can support the creation of new value chains and business models.

Partnerships, therefore, become critical enablers of success, as they facilitate access to essential knowledge, materials, and capabilities that individual companies may lack. Moreover, partnerships also establish a foundation for industry-wide transformation by setting common standards, overcoming logistical barriers, and enabling large-scale adoption of circular practices.

In Focus

There are three broad archetypes for value creation through circularity, all 3 of which rely on partnerships to achieve circularity goals: the use of circular feedstocks, extension of product lifespans, and the reinvention of existing business models. Companies can replace virgin materials by collaborating with suppliers of recycled inputs, forming closed-loop systems that reduce environmental impact.

To extend product lifespans, partnerships with refurbishment and reverse logistics providers are essential to manage product returns and ensure high-quality reuse.

Finally, adopting service-based models – where customers pay for usage rather than ownership – requires networks that enable easy upgrades, repairs, and product exchanges.

Questions for Panel Discussion

1. How do partnerships unlock new opportunities in circular value creation?

• What unique advantages do partnerships bring to adopting circular feedstocks, extending product lifespans, and implementing service-based models?
• How can companies identify and collaborate with partners that fill critical gaps in their circular strategies?
• How can partnerships make it easier to lower costs and increase customer interest in circular products?

2. What challenges do companies face when forming and managing circular partnerships?

• What are the main logistical, financial, and regulatory barriers that hinder effective circular collaborations?
• How can companies build trust and ensure transparency in complex multistakeholder partnerships?

3. What do organizations need to consider as they go about building circular partnerships?

• How can larger firms use their influence to promote circular innovation and knowledge-sharing?
• What role can coalitions and shared platforms play in integrating SMEs into circular value/supply chains?