FEATURES
Fellowship Sessions Empower Climate Leaders to Drive Bold Action
January 2026 witnessed a transformative gathering of climate champions as the CVF-V20 Secretariat hosted a series of fellowship retreats and a residency to equip youth and mid-to-senior-level officials from the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations with co-learning and networking opportunities necessary to advance ambitious development-positive climate action.
CVF-V20 Backs Evidence-Based Climate and Economic Decisions in Pakistan
The CVF-V20 Secretariat met with Pakistan’s Minister for Climate Change, H.E. Dr. Musadik Malik, on January 8 to align on how CVF-V20 tools and approaches can support national decision-making and delivery on climate and economic priorities. The discussion focused on positioning the Green Economy Model–Prosperity (GEM-P) as a practical, evidence-based tool for the Prime Minister’s Task Force, alongside advancing the launch and implementation of Pakistan’s Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP).
Viet Nam Calls for Stronger Global Commitments and Climate Finance at COP30
At the High-Level Segment of the COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam’s delegation, led by Deputy Minister Le Cong Thanh, recalled the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities (CBRD-RC), demanding stronger action and financial commitment from the developed world.
Honduras and Suriname Pilot Sovereign Article 6.2 Carbon Credits for Rainforest Conservation
The Republics of Honduras and Suriname have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Deutsche Bank, Bayer, Siemens, Symrise, and the Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN) to pilot the issuance of high-integrity, rainforest-based carbon credits under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement.
Cambodia Unlocks USD 9.8 Million GCF Funding to Enhance Climate Resilience
Fifteen climate-vulnerable districts located in Battambang, Preah Vihear, and Pursat Provinces of Cambodia will receive adequate capacity and funding to better implement local climate resiliency plans, after the government secured USD 9.8 million for the Third Phase of Local Governments and Climate Change (LGCC-III).
Costa Rica Runs on Renewable Energy, Leaves Fossil Fuel Behind
Almost 100% renewable energy powers Costa Rica’s energy mix, with electricity harnessed from hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, and wind energy. Successful with its green transition that peaked a decade ago, the country now gears toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
Loving Nature through Restoration, Strengthening Communities in Timor-Leste
In Timor-Leste, a new climate initiative is working to restore ecosystems while strengthening rural resilience. The project, led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with national partners, aims to help communities adapt to climate change by rebuilding the natural systems they depend on.
When Climate Vulnerability Becomes Personal
Damage to infrastructure and agriculture, disruptions to transport and services, and the costs of emergency response ripple across the economy. When such shocks recur year after year, recovery becomes partial and fragile. Each rebuilding effort begins before the last has fully ended.
From the outside, climate impacts are often described as temporary setbacks. On the ground, they feel structural. Resources that could support education, healthcare, industrial development, or job creation are repeatedly redirected toward response and repair. Public debt grows not through poor decisions, but because climate shocks leave governments with few alternatives.
When Climate Reality Hits Home: CVF-V20 Secretariat in Madagascar as a Category 4 Cyclone Makes Landfall
As a Category 4 cyclone slams into Madagascar’s coastline, the force of climate change is no longer abstract, it is immediate, physical, and deeply human. The CVF Secretariat team on the ground is witnessing firsthand how climate vulnerability translates into real-time emergency response, institutional coordination, and community resilience under pressure.
High Seas Treaty Enters Into Force
The first legally binding ocean instrument to provide for inclusive ocean governance, known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, entered into force on January 17, 120 days after at least 60 countries have ratified the treaty.
Liberia to Implement Carbon Levy on Maritime Shipping
The Republic of Liberia becomes the third African country to introduce a carbon levy on maritime shipping, after Djibouti’s and Gabon’s domestic implementation. Starting on March 1 this year, the country will impose a USD 25 per tonne fee on CO2 emitted by ships entering and leaving its ports.
Marshall Islands Pioneers Climate Resilience Strategy for Atoll Nations
The Blue-Green Atolls Project by the Republic of Marshall Islands begins its preparation phase after securing approval from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Trust Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund. Initial stages include technical assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the mobilization of complementary public and private finance. With the United Nations Development Programme as the implementing agency, the project receives USD 38.5 million from co-financing and USD 8.537 million from the GEF Project Grant.
