Climate funds must reach affected communities directly: Global South representatives

Civil society representatives from the Global South have called for fast, transparent and simplified climate financing to ensure funds reach countries and communities most affected by climate change.

They also urged developed countries to fulfil their climate financing commitments, stressing that vulnerable nations should not be forced to take new loans for adaptation and addressing loss and damage.

The call came at a side event of the ongoing COP31 conference in Antalya, Turkiye, titled " The Imperatives and Prospects for Climate Finance: Perspectives from the Global South".

Asian Peoples' Movement on Debt and Development (APMDD) Coordinator Lidy Nacpil said climate finance commitments must translate into action through transparent processes, while governments of the Global South should prioritise climate financing in national budgets.

MA Hasan of COAST Foundation said climate finance was a matter of justice, not charity, and called for clarity on funding sources, disbursement conditions, recipients and expected outcomes.

Wanun Permpibul of Climate Watch Thailand said the 59 indicators of the Global Goal on Adaptation must bring tangible improvements to people's safety and livelihoods.

Read More

COP31 Opens in Antalya, Urgent Calls to Supercharge Global Climate Implementation

She also stressed defining funding sources and timelines to achieve the target of tripling adaptation finance by 2035.

The speakers called for stronger technology transfer, capacity building and additional contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund, alongside easier access and faster disbursement.

They also stressed transparency, accountability and clear action plans to ensure polluting countries and corporations meet their financial responsibilities.