Policy Updates

On July 4, 2025, GCA convened a Funders Forum at its Rotterdam headquarters to assess progress and shape the future of the AAAP, which has mobilized over US$17 billion in climate adaptation investments across Africa, intending to reach US$25 billion by the end of 2025.

The forum brought together key partners including the BMGF, UK FCDO, GIZ, NORAD, and MDBs.

The AAAP attendees reviewed an evaluation by BCG, which measured progress across key priority areas such as food security, water and nature, resilient infrastructure, and youth engagement. Participants also discussed initiatives on health, education, and urban resilience, including upcoming “People’s Adaptation Plans” in 11 African and 10 Bangladeshi cities. Over 70% of AAAP projects now incorporate gender-responsive and inclusive strategies.

On July 1, 2025, Norway's Minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland Eriksen confirmed a contribution of up to US$50 million to the ADB's CACF. The fund, launched in 2024 under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, is designed to:

• Accelerate emissions reduction projects in Asia and the Pacific;
• Mobilize private investment into green infrastructure; and
• Provide upfront funding and technical support to catalyze sustainable developments.

This contribution strengthens Norway’s CACF partnership with ADB and the broader NIGU. It supports Norway’s ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2030 and foster global emission cuts in line with Paris goals.

Eriksen underscored that the partnership reflects Norway’s continued leadership in climate finance, emphasizing its role in scaling private capital for climate action and advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy in LMICs.

On June 26, 2025, UNICEF commended South Korea's contribution to the organization of US$142 million in 2024 despite declining global ODA trends, highlighting their commitment to placing children’s rights as a priority funding area at the 19^th Annual Policy Consultation in New York.

Particular focus in the consultation was placed on expanding assistance to Africa. Korea pledged to leverage both financial resources and technical expertise to bolster global child welfare. The consultation also reinforced partnerships in health, climate, AI and tech-enabled development (through the GIGA initiative), and private-sector engagement.

The meeting concluded with the launch of a donor-visibility platform to highlight Korea’s contributions to UNICEF’s mission.

On June 20, 2025, the Norwegian government published a white paper that showed that Norway is on track to achieve most UN SDGs by 2030, with strong progress in infrastructure, energy, education, gender equality, and effective institutions.

However, high material consumption remains a significant challenge, as Norway’s consumption levels exceed both global and European averages. The white paper reviewed Norway’s current position, highlighted key challenges, and outlined strategies to reach the SDGs. It also identified nine sub-goals that require substantial progress, largely relating to sustainability, biodiversity and climate protection, and waste reduction.

The Norwegian government’s digitalization strategy for 2024–2030, Digital Norway of the Future, is designed to accelerate green and digital transformation across all sectors, with investment in research, development, and innovation seen as vital to achieving a low-emission society. The white paper stressed the importance of broad engagement, involving citizens and all societal actors in joint efforts towards the SDGs.

From June 9-13, 2025, the 3^rd UN Ocean Conference was hosted in Nice, France, ending with over 170 countries adopting a joint declaration committing to urgent measures for ocean conservation and sustainable use.

The event featured 55 heads of state and government as well as upwards of 15,000 participants from civil society, business, and science. The Nice Ocean Action Plan, combining this declaration with voluntary pledges, was said to mark renewed global political will for marine protection.

Key commitments included:

• A European Commission pledge of EUR1 billion (US$1.1 billion) for ocean conservation;
• A pledge by French Polynesia to create the world’s largest marine protected area;
• A pledge by New Zealand of US$52 million for Pacific Ocean governance;
• A pledge by Italy of EUR6.5 million (US$7 million) to strengthen Coast Guard surveillance in marine protected areas and on oil platforms;
• A pledge by Spain to establish five new marine protected areas, aiming to safeguard 25% of its marine territory;
• A pledge by Germany of EUR100 million (US$115 million) for Baltic and North Sea munitions clearance;
• The launch of a Coral Bond for reef conservation by Indonesia, WB, and partners.

37 countries, led by Panama and Canada, launched the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, while Canada pledged US$9 million to the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance. UN agencies and global partners also launched a co-design process for One Ocean Finance to unlock billions in new financing from ocean-dependent industries and blue economy sectors.

Nineteen more states ratified the Marine Biodiversity Treaty, bringing total signatures to 136 and ratifications to 50 states, plus the EU. Ten more ratifications are needed for the Agreement to enter into force. The 4^th UN Ocean Conference, in 2028, will be co-hosted by Chile and the Republic of Korea.

On June 9, 2025, Minderoo Foundation announced a pledge of AUD10 million (US$7 million) to support the development of MPAs in high-seas regions of Australia and the Pacific, starting with the Lord Howe Rise–South Tasman Sea area, which features deep-sea ecosystems including coral, seamounts, whales, and sharks.

The funding will support scientific assessments, stakeholder engagement, and MPA design in alignment with international frameworks such as the UN High Seas Treaty and the global 30x30 biodiversity target. The initiative aims to address pressures from industrial activities and to contribute to marine conservation planning in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Incorporating a gender equity and human rights approach, the program emphasizes transparent governance, inclusive decision-making, and collaboration with governments and other partners. Minderoo’s contribution complements existing philanthropic and public funding and seeks to encourage broader support for high-seas conservation efforts.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to inform policy and contribute to long-term ocean sustainability in the region.

On June 4, 2025, Norway became the 31^st country to ratify the BBNJ —formally known as the Agreement under UNCLOS on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction—furthering global ocean governance efforts.

The agreement enables conserved marine protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up around two-thirds of the world’s oceans, and promotes cross-sectoral cooperation for healthier marine ecosystems.

The Norwegian Parliament unanimously approved ratification on May 26, followed by formal confirmation by the Council of State on May 27. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, describing Norway’s action as proud and delighted, emphasized that strong collective engagement is essential to drive the treaty toward its required 60 ratifications.

Environmental Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen noted that this step supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal of protecting 30% of marine areas by 2030, and will require environmental impact assessments.

Norway also introduced new domestic legislation to align national law with the Agreement, including contributing NOK 500,000 (US$49,000) to a trust fund that supports developing countries’ participation in treaty implementation.

On June 4, 2025, new findings from the Global Climate and Health Alliance showed that only 21 of 195 countries party to the UNFCCC Paris Agreement have submitted updated NDCs for 2035, nearly four months past deadline with most NDCs mentioning health benefits, such as reduced air pollution, but few including systems to track health outcomes.

The GCHA reviewed 11 countries’ NDCs and found that while many reference health benefits, only the UK’s plan includes specific air quality monitoring. Kenya’s NDC aims for 100% renewable energy and a 35% emissions cut by 2035, yet does not explicitly measure air pollution benefits. Brazil’s NDC focuses on deforestation and fossil fuel transition but lacks clarity on new oil extraction and zero deforestation pledges. The US, after submitting its plan, has withdrawn its targets, weakening global momentum.

Recent NDCs highlight varied approaches: New Zealand targets “super pollutants” but is seen as unambitious; Japan’s continued fossil fuel use has significant health impacts; Canada is phasing out coal; and the UAE is developing a national monitoring system. However, most plans fall short of the 1.5°C goal, with the UK as a notable exception.

The World Bank estimates that halving global exposure to dangerous air pollution by 2040 would require annual investments to rise from US$9 billion in 2020 to US$14 billion in 2040. Despite this, climate finance commitments remain inadequate, and the ;abbrUS exit further strains resources.

On June 2, 2025, AFD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Essam and Dalal Obaid Foundation, Louis Dreyfus Foundation, and Sawiris Foundation to pilot a climate-smart agriculture program benefiting smallholder farmers in Egypt’s Sohag and Minya governorates.

This collaboration aims to improve agricultural productivity and resilience through tailored financial tools, sustainable practices, and market access support. AFD will also contribute through technical assistance and impact evaluation, with a long-term goal of scaling the approach nationally.

On May 30, 2025, JICA signed the Development Policy Loan which provides JPY60 billion (US$393 million) with Bangladesh to support economic reforms and climate resilience, bolstering Bangladesh's economy amid global challenges like inflation and climate-induced disasters.

The 30-year loan, with a 2% annual interest rate and a 10-year grace period, aims to improve the business environment and governance, and implement climate measures. Co-financing includes US$600 million from the ADB and US$500 million from the World Bank.

Additionally, the Human Resource Development Scholarship Project grants JPY606 million (US$4million) to fund advanced degrees for young Bangladeshi officials in Japan, enhancing administrative capacity and bilateral ties.