CVF-V20 JOINT
MULTI-DONOR FUND
PURPOSE AND VISION
The Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and V20 Finance Ministers (CVF-V20) Joint Multi-Donor Fund (JDMF) is a pooled funding mechanism launched in 2020 to support 74 climate-vulnerable countries—home to over 1.7 billion people and 22.4% of the global population.
In 2024, the CVF-V20 is now an independent institution with the capacity to manage its own fund. As a result, the JMDF is designed to receive resources from new bilateral donors without prior relationships with the CVF-V20 to advance climate prosperity, promote South–South cooperation, and scale up action on adaptation, low carbon transformation, and loss and damage.
At its core, the JMDF supports the CVF-V20’s vision to translate development-positive climate action agenda into real economy financing, investments, and outcomes. In particular, it coordinates contributions from across the UN system and can support special programs of the CVF-V20, including the CVF-V20 Fellowship Programs and the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program.
The JMDF is financed through contributions from multiple partners from 2020 to 2026:
- The People’s Republic of Bangladesh (opening contribution): USD 100,000
- The Federal Republic of Germany: USD 5,525,264
- The Republic of the Marshall Islands (opening contribution): USD 30,000
- The Government of Wallonia: USD 5,170,427 (for the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program under the Global Shield)
- Quadrature Climate Foundation: USD 3,000,000
- Sequoia Climate Foundation: USD 3,000,000
- Wellspring Philanthropic Fund: USD 1,000,000
HOW THE FUND WORKS
GOVERNANCE
The JMDF Board oversees strategic direction and funding decisions. This Board is chaired by the current CVF–V20 Chair and includes representatives of both the member countries (CVF-V20 Troika) and contributing donors.
Her Excellency Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson of Barbados, Prime Minister Mottley’s Sherpa on the CVF-V20, currently serves as the Fund Board Chair.
CVF-V20 Secretary General His Excellency Mohamed Nasheed and his team work closely with the Fund Board Chair, UNOPS, and donor partners to drive the Fund’s work forward.
MANAGEMENT
The CVF–V20 Secretariat leads technical oversight and provides strategic advice on the Fund’s work programme, while UNOPS manages fund operations, fiduciary functions, and implementation oversight.
IMPLEMENTATION
Activities are delivered through work plans approved by the Fund Board and implemented by various partners selected via competitive or pre-identified processes.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Global Advocacy & Representation
Strengthening global presence and collective voice of CVF–V20 member countries in climate and financial governance forums to advocate for and represent their shared vision for climate prosperity. Activities include support for high-level dialogues, strategic communications, and specialized training through global fellowships.
Loss & Damage Response
Delivering targeted support to restore livelihoods and local infrastructure in climate-affected communities. Small grants help strengthen local resilience through adaptation measures and early warning systems.
Technical Leadership & Coordination
The JMDF has facilitated capacity-building initiatives, including fellowships and training programs, to enhance the diplomatic and policy engagement of CVF-V20 member country representatives.
Example: The V20 Climate Prosperity Fellowship Program, launched in partnership with Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, supports finance ministry officials from CVF-V20 member states in advancing climate action.
IMPACT TO DATE
CLIMATE DIPLOMACY TRAINING & FELLOWSHIPS
The JMDF has facilitated capacity-building initiatives, including fellowships and training programs, to enhance the diplomatic and policy engagement of CVF–V20 member country representatives.
Example: The V20 Climate Prosperity Fellowship Program, launched in partnership with Boston University’s Global Development Policy Center, supports finance ministry officials from CVF–V20 member states in advancing climate action.
Development of Climate Prosperity Plans (CPPs)
The JMDF has supported the development of country-led Climate Prosperity Plans (CPPs)–strategic investment frameworks aimed at achieving low-carbon, climate-resilient development.
Approximately 5% of total CPP resource requirements were provided by the JMDF from January 2021 to June 2025, with the remaining resources from the Climate Breakthrough Award, Financial Futures Center, and the CVF-V20’s directly managed funds, established in 2024 and governed by the CVF-V20 Troika. The CVF-V20’s directly managed funds now fully support 100% resources requirements of the CPPs.
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