1- Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL)
During the launch of the IOM – UN Migration Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL), the intricate relationship between climate change, conflict, and disasters, which has led to prolonged and widespread displacement was highlighted; with climate change emerging as a key catalyst for crises on a global scale. The role envisioned for CMIL is to empower resilient communities to adapt to climate challenges and address issues of migration, displacement, and human mobility. Dr. Mohieldin expressed appreciation for being nominated for membership in CMIL’s Steering Committee, to provide insights and inputs with regard to exploring innovative solutions to mobilize the finance needed to achieve the CMIL’s objectives and support IOM leadership and team, IOM Chief, Amy Pope and Director of Climate Action, Rania Ahmed in such an important and needed initiative.
2- Global Capacity Building Coalition
At the inaugural meeting of the Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC), Dr. Mohieldin moderated the session “Global Capacity Building Coalition (GCBC) Deep Dive Session and Discussion,” featuring panelists Mari Elka Pangestu, Tariye Gbadegesin, Juan Carlos Mora Uribe, and Rhian-Mari Thomas. The panel tackled the two following question: Which capacity-building initiatives or interventions have been most successful in unlocking capital for climate action in EMDEs or globally, and how can these be scaled or replicated in other contexts? And further, what should the GCBC prioritize to strengthen the global capacity-building ecosystem?
3- Ocean Risk Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA)
Now two years on from COP27 in Egypt, the urgency to act on the Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda is clearer than ever. During the Ocean Risk Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA) Member Meeting, Dr. Mohieldin pointed out how the private sector can drive forward ocean resilience and adaptation finance, especially with COP29 fast approaching.
Coastal and marine ecosystems—critical to the livelihoods of 3 billion people worldwide—are highly vulnerable to climate change, particularly in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By 2050, up to 90% of coral reefs, which protect 1 billion people and support 25% of ocean life, will be at risk due to climate stressors. Despite this, only 1% of total adaptation finance is directed toward coastal protection. The investment gap is glaring: an estimated $1 trillion in additional finance is needed by 2030 to support ocean-climate solutions, with a focus on the Global South.
Dr. Mohieldin then quoted H.E. Peter Thomson, UNSG Special Envoy for the Ocean, and how he reminded us of our collective connectivity to the oceans, and that we tend to forget that we are all connected. Yet, the share of climate finance directed toward adaptation, particularly ocean finance, is shrinking. #SDGs 14 and 15 are being neglected, and without closing this funding gap, the future of our oceans and coastal communities is at risk.
The private sector plays a critical role in bridging this gap. While we can’t oblige businesses to invest, creating profitable opportunities that align with sustainability goals is key. Looking forward to COP29, the ambition is to keep the finance discussion at the forefront, advocating for blue finance, which can prevent trillions in damages and protect millions of lives.
4- World Climate Summit
Dr. Mohieldin provided closing remarks at the World Climate Summit, tackling the essential pillars of technology and innovation, finance and investments, and policy and reform, aiming to strengthen collaborative efforts towards clean energy transition and the upcoming climate negotiations in Baku while accelerating action in achieving the 2030 transition goals and a net-zero world by 2050.
Dr. Mohieldin emphasized that finance for climate action is increasing but remains far below what is required, particularly for adaptation and addressing loss and damage. Frameworks like the Sharm El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda and the Loss and Damage Fund exist, but significant challenges remain.
Dr. Mohieldin highlighted the need for collective pressure from various stakeholders. Representatives must be more pragmatic, scientists should identify the gaps to be bridged, and those in data systems and statistics need to enhance transparency and governance.
5- Runway for Change
Dr. Mohieldin concluded the “Runway for Change: Fashion, Finance & Impact” event, organized by Ambition Loop, which acknowledges the notable contribution of the fashion industry in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. He emphasized the fashion industry’s critical role in addressing climate action, particularly through behavioral change, technology, and financial mobilization. Indeed, the fashion industry has immense potential to influence these areas, but behavioral change remains the key challenge. If the fashion industry can mobilize good ideas and educated individuals with a global understanding, significant financial resources can be directed toward sustainable solutions. Dr. Mohieldin shed light on the immense need for leaders in fashion to influence consumption patterns by focusing on more durable and sustainable products, while also shifting production from traditional hubs to emerging markets like China, Pakistan, and Egypt.
6- Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment and Trade (BICFIT)
Dr. Mohieldin participated in a panel at the “High-Level Dialogue on the Role of the Private Sector in the Baku Initiative for Climate Finance, Investment, and Trade (BICFIT).” One of the key challenges Dr. Mohieldin spoke about in the panel was the “silent crisis” surrounding debt and its impact on sustainable development. The current approach to leveraging finance, particularly through debt, is creating more debt rather than equity, which is deepening the financial crisis in developing nations. This debt crisis is directly affecting progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with only 15% of targets on track. A major concern is the lack of private equity participation, which could provide more sustainable financing models. Another thing Dr. Mohieldin emphasized was that the multilateral development banks (MDBs) are constrained by a lack of understanding and flexibility, preventing them from fulfilling their role in effectively supporting countries and the private sector. Addressing these inefficiencies and unfairness in climate finance is critical for creating a more inclusive and equitable global financial system.
