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 1.81 billion people and 22.4% of the global population.
In 2024, the CVF-V20 became an independent institution with the capacity to manage its own fund. In this context the JMDF serves as a platform to receive resources primarily from new bilateral donors 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 support special programs of the CVF-V20, including the CVF-V20 Fellowship Programs and the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program. The JMDF is also one of the three financing vehicles under the Global Shield Against Climate Risks.
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
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 1.81 billion people and 22.4% of the global population.
In 2024, the CVF-V20 became an independent institution with the capacity to manage its own fund. In this context the JMDF serves as a platform to receive resources primarily from new bilateral donors 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 support special programs of the CVF-V20, including the CVF-V20 Fellowship Programs and the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program. The JMDF is also one of the three financing vehicles under the Global Shield Against Climate Risks.
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.
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. The CVF Youth Fellowship Program empowers youth leaders to become the next generation of climate negotiators and champions.
Strategic Dialogues and High-Level Engagements
The JMDF has co-financed high-level events organized by the CVF-V20 Secretariat that bring CVF–V20 member countries together to advance shared climate priorities.
Example: The V20 Ministerial Dialogues convened by the CVF-V20 Presidency that bring together V20 finance ministers, development partners, and representatives from the G7, G20, and G24.
Knowledge and Policy Tools
The JMDF has supported the production and dissemination of research and tools that inform evidence-based policymaking, strengthen advocacy, and guide climate action in CVF–V20 member countries.
Example: The Climate Vulnerability Monitor draws on the latest research to track socio-economic and environmental impacts across countries, using 32 indicators to project how risks evolve under different global warming scenarios.
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.
From January 2021 to June 2025, the JMDF has contributed to financing CPP resource requirements, alongside support 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% resource requirements of the CPPs.
Example: Bangladesh, Ghana, and Sri Lanka have developed CPPs with support from the JMDF, alongside other partners, while Bhutan, Haiti, Pakistan, and the Philippines are in progress
Loss and Damage Response
The JMDF is advancing support for the second phase of the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program, including preparations to provide small grants to affected communities for immediate recovery and resilience-building efforts.
Example: Launching of the Loss and Damage funding programs in the Pacific Region and Ghana.
JMDF IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS
Current
CARE Danmark implements the Akosombo Loss and Damage Funding Program (AkoLAD) under the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program, delivering direct support to communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage in Ghana for climate-resilient housing and community infrastructure, livelihood recovery, and capacity building.
Climate Analytics updates the CVF–V20’s flagship Low Carbon Monitor (2016) by generating new case studies, economic analyses, and sectoral pathways to demonstrate the co-benefits of mitigation, support low-carbon industrialization, and recommend global, regional, and national solutions for accelerating a just and sustainable low-carbon transition.
International Labour Organization (ILO) analyzes how heat stress affects jobs and productivity, providing policy recommendations to help shape Climate Prosperity Plans in CVF–V20 countries.
United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) implements the Pacific Loss and Damage Funding Programme (PacLAD) under the V20 Loss and Damage Funding Program, providing direct assistance to communities in the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to strengthen climate resilience, livelihood recovery, local capacity and knowledge sharing.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) conducts research and policy analysis to help CVF-V20 countries strengthen capacity to design and implement policies for climate-sustainable transformation.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) supports CVF-V20 countries in aligning Climate Prosperity Plans with climate adaptation and green industrialization.
United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) translates Climate Vulnerability Monitor 3 findings into compelling narratives and real-world insights to build a wider understanding of climate risks and solutions.
Past
Climate Analytics led the Science Consortium behind the Climate Vulnerability Monitor 3 —a global tool tracking the impacts of climate change on countries’ environments, economies, and public health, both now and in the future
Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) served as the JMDF’s technical secretariat until February 2024, working closely with project partners to provide advice and support for key CVF-V20 activities during the Fund’s early development.
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) supported the CVF–V20 member countries in scaling up their renewable energy ambitions by helping shape the 100% Renewable Energy target and enhancing Climate Prosperity Plans with energy transition scenario analysis.
Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) supported the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change and worked to integrate a human rights lens into Climate Prosperity Plans.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) designed and delivered a Climate Diplomacy Fellowship, equipping fellows from CVF–V20 countries with advanced negotiation skills and global networking opportunities.
United Nations University Vice-Rectorate in Europe (UNU-ViE) supported the V20 finance ministers’ platform, advancing a more resilient global financial architecture and driving international cooperation for development-positive climate action.
KEY RESOURCES
KEY CONTACTS
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