Global Center on Adaptation | Business Today Qatar

You are here: Home » Archives for Global Center on Adaptation

Small islands face outsized climate impacts and require US$12 billion a year in climate finance to cope

Rotterdam, Oct. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today launched State and Trends in Adaptation 2025: Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the most comprehensive assessment to date of climate risks, macro–economic impacts and practical solutions for the world’s 39 island economies. The report shows that, without accelerated adaptation, cumulative climate damages across SIDS could reach as high as US$476 billion by 2050—equivalent to several years of national output in some countries—yet current international public adaptation finance to SIDS averages just over US$2 billion a year, or 0.2% of global climate finance. GCA calls for a step–change to at least US$12 billion annually, a level SIDS themselves identify in their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), noting this represents only around 1.2% of global climate finance and about 4% of global Overseas Development Assistance (ODA).

The report distils practical, scalable lessons from Africa’s adaptation experience that other SIDS and coastal nations worldwide can adapt and adopt—drawing on work with African small island states and the African Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP).

Launching the report, H.E. Hilda Heine, President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, said: “We face rising seas, threats to food and water security, and we are running out of time. Adaptation remains our most urgent priority. It is our first line of defence. Today, I am therefore honored to join you to launch the new GCA State and Trends in Adaptation Report on Small Island Developing States. Its findings are sobering.” She added: “What SIDS actually need is modest, particularly when you compare it to the cost of inaction. Still, we make up just a fraction of global flows. The barriers are clear. Climate finance mechanisms were not designed with SIDS in mind. Long processes, eligibility rules, and risk standards
exclude us. We are left locked out of the very support we most need. But the report also brings hope: Adaptation in SIDS is highly cost–effective.”

Macky Sall, 4th President of Senegal and Honorary Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation, said: “Small island nations, whether in Africa, Asia–Pacific or the Caribbean, have done nothing to cause climate change but face far outsized impacts. This report is a call to conscience and to common sense. SIDS need roughly US$12 billion a year to adapt the growing impacts of climate change —financing that is achievable if we match ambition with solidarity. Shifting from loans to grants, widening access to concessional windows, and deploying innovative instruments like debt–for–resilience swaps and blue and green bonds can turn vulnerability into resilience and growth.”

The analysis confirms adaptation is a high–return investment. Across modeled economies, each dollar invested can yield up to US$6.50 in avoided damages and new growth, with feasible investment programs cutting climate damages by more than half by mid–century. Benefits are particularly strong for distributed clean energy, resilient transport links, climate–smart agriculture and water–system efficiency, all of which reduce economic losses, lower import bills and improve health and productivity.

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, President and CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, said: “Small islands should be a first line of defense against the climate crisis, not a point of failure. Adaptation is the best value proposition in climate action today. The numbers are unequivocal: invest now and unlock resilience dividends in every sector—energy systems that keep the lights on after cyclones, ports and roads that remain open for trade, water networks that waste less and serve more, and food systems that withstand heat and drought. This report provides a practical roadmap for SIDS and for partners ready to finance solutions at speed and scale. It is also a call to scale up support for this highly vulnerable group of nations that is nevertheless prepared to act.”

The report finds 44% of public international adaptation finance to SIDS arrives as debt, exacerbating already strained balance sheets; nearly two–thirds of tracked flows originate from multilateral development finance institutions, while grants from bilateral donors and climate funds remain far below potential. Funding is highly concentrated too: just ten SIDS receive 67% of tracked adaptation finance, with no significant correlation to climate vulnerability. GCA urges a re–balancing toward grant–based, vulnerability–aware allocations and faster, simpler access.

In a joint statement, Jamal Saghir and Ede Ijjasz–Vásquez, Co–Directors of the Report, said: “The SIDS finance gap is small in global terms but existential for island economies. The priorities are clear: close the grant deficit; mainstream adaptation into national budgets; scale de–risking and blended finance to crowd in private capital; and relieve debt burdens through instruments that exchange fiscal space for resilience outcomes. With these steps, SIDS can convert risk into investment and opportunity.”

Beyond finance, the report sets out a concrete agenda to hard–wire resilience into the blue and real economies. Tourism and fisheries—cornerstones of SIDS prosperity—are threatened by coastal erosion, coral bleaching and extreme weather. Nature–based solutions such as mangrove and reef restoration protect shorelines, cut disaster losses and support livelihoods, with geospatial “opportunity scans” in Fiji alone identifying tens of thousands of hectares where restoration could reduce flood damage by over US$47 million annually by 2050, delivering benefits more than five times costs.

Systems that save lives and safeguard growth must also be scaled. Only 39% of SIDS report multi–hazard early–warning systems, and basic weather and climate observations remain critically under–resourced—less than 10% of required surface observations are shared globally. The report highlights the UN’s Early Warnings for All initiative and the Systematic Observations Financing Facility as immediate pathways to close these gaps and strengthen climate services across agriculture, water, health and disaster management.

Governance readiness is advancing but uneven. All SIDS have submitted NDCs and around 60% now have a “good or better” enabling environment for adaptation investments, yet many have not fully costed sectoral needs, and monitoring and evaluation systems remain under–developed. The report urges a “community–to–cabinet” approach that elevates local knowledge, strengthens institutions and integrates adaptation across transport, energy, water and food systems.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9540860)

Independent Evaluation Confirms Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) Delivered Impact at Scale

Rotterdam, Sept. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today welcomed the results of the first independent, end–of–phase evaluation of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP) and its GCA–led Upstream Financing Facility, as conducted by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

The evaluation assessed the entire program from 2021 to 2025, drawing on over 40 stakeholder interviews across funders, partners and beneficiaries, among others, and a thorough review of performance metrics, benchmarked against sector comparators and OECD–DAC criteria. It confirms that AAAP has already shaped close to USD 19 billion in board–approved investments from International Finance Institutions (IFIs) and is firmly on track to achieve its headline target of USD 25 billion by year end. These investments were unique in their reach across some 40 African countries and with underlying climate–adaptation aligned IFI investments expected to benefit some 200 million people with strengthened resilience.

Mr. Aly–Khan Jamal, Managing Director at BCG, said: “BCG’s independent assessment finds that AAAP is on track to achieve its goal of shaping $25 billion in investment to address Africa’s adaptation needs—reaching nearly 40 countries across the continent. For a first–of–its–kind programme, this represents a strong foundation, underpinned by technical credibility and system–level influence. Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to deepen impact by strengthening measurement, broadening partnerships, and addressing structural barriers to adaptation finance.”

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, President and CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, said “This evaluation confirms that AAAP has delivered impact at scale, embedding adaptation into investments that protect millions of lives and livelihoods. It validates our upstream model and provides a clear pathway forward: more robust measurement, stronger private–sector engagement, and deeper policy impact. These lessons will guide the bold next phase of AAAP as Africa’s flagship resilience program.”

The evaluation highlighted AAAP’s unique “solutions–broker” model—combining deep technical expertise with system–level influence—to help governments and development partners embed adaptation in major development investments and programs, ensuring that critical infrastructure, water, agricultural and other key services continue to deliver into the future despite increasingly challenging and evolved climate conditions. Case studies within the evaluation indicated strong value for money, with benefit–cost ratios of 3–5:1 in areas such as food security and resilient infrastructure.

The evaluation likewise examined each of AAAP’s four pillars in detail. It found that Food Security interventions, including climate–smart seed systems and digital advisory services, have anchored resilience in agricultural investments. Infrastructure and Nature–Based Solutions delivered high value–for–money, integrating resilience into urban planning and water systems while advancing locally led adaptation. Youth Entrepreneurship and Adaptation Jobs created over 10,000 new jobs and fostered innovation but requires greater scale to mainstream adaptation fully. Adaptation Finance evolved toward unlocking private and domestic finance, with promising pilots such as bank portfolio stress–testing, though catalytic impact remains at an early stage. In addition, the program’s engagement with the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) has embedded adaptation into policy–based lending reform measures of USD 1.7 billion of approved financing.

Looking ahead, the evaluation recommends strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems including to track results into IFI implementation stages, broadening partnerships such as to engage private capital alongside development banks, and deepening policy and beneficiary support channels to sustain systemic impact. Such findings will inform the design of AAAP 2.0, the next phase of the program, set to commence as of the start of 2026.
GCA leaders hailed the findings and set out next steps to accelerate momentum in the program’s second phase (AAAP 2.0).

Ban Ki–moon, Honorary Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and 8th Secretary–General of the United Nations, said “AAAP’s pioneering ambition has translated into tangible, climate–resilient investment at scale. The world must now match Africa’s resolve: close the adaptation finance gap and support programs that turn evidence into action across systems.”

H.E. Macky Sall, Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and 4th President of Senegal, said “This evaluation confirms the Africa–designed and Africa–led AAAP works. Our task now is to scale it: anchor adaptation in national budgets and policies, unlock domestic and international private capital and move from pilot successes to continent–wide resilience. We will take AAAP 2.0 forward with urgency and unity.”

Notes to Editors

About the AAAP Evaluation
Following an open request for proposals issued by the GCA, the Boston Consulting Group’s independent evaluation was commissioned to review AAAP and its Upstream Financing Facility’s performance from 2021–2025 using an OECD–DAC+ framework. The analysis combined qualitative and quantitative evidence, including dozens of project–level case assessments, extensive stakeholder interviews and value–for–money analysis, to assess effectiveness, efficiency, additionality and sustainability.

About the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)
Launched in 2021 by the African Development Bank, the African Union Commission and the Global Center on Adaptation, AAAP’s Upstream Financing Facility supports governments and international financial institutions to mainstream adaptation in large–scale investments through technical assistance, policy support, capacity building and knowledge brokering—acting as a high–leverage, catalytic “solutions–broker.

About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate–proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent. Founded in 2018, GCA is the first international organization to maintain dual headquarters in both the Global North in Rotterdam and in the Global South in Nairobi – underscoring the equal partnership between regions and the conviction that climate adaptation solutions must be co–designed and co–owned. Its regional hubs in Abidjan, Dhaka and Beijing, leverage local expertise to pilot and scale context–specific approaches. Together, these centers ensure a continuous, two–way exchange of knowledge and best practices that empower communities and drive resilient and inclusive growth worldwide.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9528056)

President Ruto Calls for a Powerful New Phase of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP 2.0) at Africa Climate Summit

Addis Ababa, Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the 2^nd Africa Climate Summit (ACS), President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya, as Chair of Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), called for a powerful new phase of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (“AAAP 2.0”), urging international partners to step forward in support of Africa’s resilience agenda.

“Africa is in the eye of the storm of the climate crisis. This has also made Africa the cradle of climate solutions for the world,” said President Ruto, indicating that with AAAP 2.0 there is the opportunity “not just to protect our environment, the climate, but to propel our development, and also generate jobs and attract investment. We call on our partners across the world to join us in this major new effort under CAHOSCC,” President Ruto added.

The call for AAAP 2.0 was made during the Africa Climate Summit’s mandated event, “Scaling Africa’s Adaptation Action,” co–hosted by the Government of Ethiopia and GCA, with attendance from leaders of Kenya, Ghana, and Zambia, as well as representatives from the African Union, International Financial Institutions, key development partners and African nations.

Leaders at the ACS event highlighted that with the world on the brink of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold, Africa—being the most climate–vulnerable continent—must respond urgently to protect its people and economies. As such, AAAP 2.0 would aim to build on the success of the first phase, which embedded adaptation into $25 billion of investments, benefitting over 200 million people across 40 African nations, and supporting the creation of more than 1 million jobs. A new Global Center on Adaptation (GCA)–Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) report shows how the newly positioned AAAP 2.0 initiative under CAHOSCC could help take Africa into the “high–upside” scenario, where private sector leadership, innovation, and resilient economic growth converge.

Speaking at ACS, the 4^th President of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Macky Sall, serving as Chair of the GCA Board, stated: “AAAP has mobilized resilience at scale. AAAP 2.0 must be even more ambitious—reaching deeper into food systems, infrastructure, and finance, led by African institutions and communities.”

Professor Patrick Verkooijen, GCA President and CEO, added: “Phase 1 proved adaptation works—from over 200 million people reached. AAAP 2.0 is the opportunity to rapidly scale the embedding of resilience across Africa’s markets, urban zones, and food systems—firmly placing the continent to seize a high–upside future.”

AAAP 2.0 is envisaged as the world’s largest adaptation partnership, with African leaders committing to work with international financial institutions, private sector partners, and national institutions between now, the UN General Assembly in New York, and the forthcoming climate summit of COP30 in Brazil.

Representing the African Union Commission at the event, H.E. Nardos Bekele–Thomas, CEO of AUDA–NEPAD, said: “We stand firmly in support of AAAP Phase Two. It offers exactly the kind of African–owned platform that can move us from scattered projects to continental transformation. Indeed, with AAAP 2.0 and the AU’s Agenda 2063 as our compass, Africa has the opportunity to show the world that resilience is development,” adding that Africa is “ready to lead, and to deliver adaptation at the speed and scale the world now demands.”

AAAP partner, Mr. Hans Olav Ibrekk, Special Envoy on Climate and Security of Norway, said: “Norway has doubled its climate finance contribution and we are now going to triple our adaptation finance. We have been with AAAP since the start. The new independent evaluation of the program has highlighted its effectiveness. We now need to build from there and strengthen and scale the program further.” He added that “Norway will continue to support AAAP as it moves into this important second phase.”

Partners at the ACS event, moreover, indicated that, building on the September 4–5 High–Level Development Partners meeting on AAAP 2.0, the new phase of the program is being shaped as Africa’s vehicle to deliver system–wide resilience–scaling with urgency. It will strengthen national ownership and locally led solutions, expand partnerships with regionally active commercial banks, national development finance institutions, and regulators, and accelerate efforts to embed resilience across food systems, infrastructure, and urban development.

African leaders at the ACS event, moreover, highlighted that this new phase of AAAP must move faster, go deeper, and mobilize broader coalitions—including especially the private sector and private finance—to ensure Africa not only protects itself against escalating climate risks but also seizes the transformative opportunities for growth, jobs, and green industrialization.

Leaders' Event at the 2nd Africa Climate Summit

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9526051)

HAKAİNDE HICHILEMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA, JOINS GCA ADVISORY BOARD

Lusaka, Zambia & Rotterdam, the Netherlands, Sept. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) has welcomed Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, to its Advisory Board. In this role, President Hichilema will lend his deep expertise in governance, sustainable development, food security and climate resilience to guide GCA’s strategic priorities across Africa and beyond.

President Hichilema brings to the GCA Advisory Board a proven track record of economic reform, poverty reduction, and championing climate–smart agriculture in Zambia. His leadership has prioritized renewable energy deployment, watershed management, and inclusive policy frameworks that build resilience at the grassroots level.

“Climate change poses an existential threat to our nations, especially in Africa, where communities are on the front lines of both drought and flood,” said President Hakainde Hichilema. “I am proud to join the Global Center on Adaptation’s Advisory Board at this pivotal moment. Together, we will work to mobilize the innovation, finance, and political will needed to scale resilience solutions—so that no community is left behind in the face of a changing climate.”

His Excellency Macky Sall, Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and Fourth President of Senegal, added: “President Hichilema’s appointment strengthens GCA’s leadership at a time when Africa is both most exposed to climate risks and most determined to lead on adaptation. His voice will bring critical perspective and momentum as we work to accelerate progress on the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program and build bridges between nations, institutions, and sectors to deliver real resilience on the ground.”

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, President and CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, welcomed the appointment: “We are delighted that President Hichilema has agreed to join our Advisory Board. His dedication to sustainable growth and his hands–on experience in mobilizing climate adaptation strategies in Zambia will be invaluable as GCA expands its work to support vulnerable communities worldwide. His insights will help shape our efforts to drive action–oriented solutions—bridging policy, finance, and innovation—to build a more resilient future for all.”

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9524247)

Guinea-Bissau President Embaló Joins GCA Advisory Board to Strengthen Climate Adaptation

Rotterdam, Netherlands / Bissau, Guinea–Bissau, Sept. 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is pleased to welcome His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló, President of the Republic of Guinea–Bissau, to its Advisory Board. President Embaló joins an eminent group of leaders, experts, and changemakers committed to advancing climate resilience and adaptation solutions worldwide.

“As communities from the Bijagós Archipelago to the Sahel face rising climate risks, President Embaló brings invaluable experience and resolve. His service will help the GCA deepen partnerships, accelerate adaptation finance, and deliver protection for those on the front lines,” said H.E. Ban Ki–moon, Honorary Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and 8th Secretary–General of the United Nations.

“I warmly welcome President Embaló to our Advisory Board. West Africa is already confronting coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and climate shocks. His practical leadership will strengthen our work to scale solutions across the region and crowd in the investment needed for resilient growth,” said H.E. Macky Sall, Chair of the Board of the Global Center on Adaptation and 4thPresident of Senegal.

“As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, it is imperative that nations work together to secure a sustainable future,” said Professor Patrick Verkooijen, President and CEO of GCA. “President Embaló’s visionary leadership and deep understanding of the vulnerabilities facing small and low–lying states will be invaluable as we drive forward our mission to deliver transformative adaptation solutions.”

Guinea–Bissau, one of the world’s most climate–vulnerable countries, has seen rising sea levels, increasingly erratic rainfall, and coastal erosion threaten communities, ecosystems, and food security. Under President Embaló’s guidance, the nation has launched ambitious initiatives to strengthen coastal defenses, promote climate–smart agriculture and build community–level resilience.

Expressing his commitment to the GCA’s work, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló stated: “I am deeply honored to join the GCA Advisory Board at this critical moment for our planet. Guinea–Bissau’s people have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of floods, droughts, and erosion. By working alongside GCA’s global network, we will accelerate efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities, harness innovative adaptation finance, and ensure that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of climate security.”

As an Advisory Board member, President Embaló will counsel GCA on strategic priorities in West Africa, help foster public–private partnerships, and advocate for inclusive adaptation policies at regional and international forums.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9523384)

The Global Center on Adaptation Announces Senior Appointments

Rotterdam, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today announces four strategic senior appointments, reinforcing its leadership team as it scales its global adaptation agenda. His Excellency Macky Sall, Chair of GCA’s Supervisory Board, and Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, GCA President and CEO, welcome:

Matthew McKinnon, Vice President, External Affairs and Policy
Leads GCA’s policy, advocacy, external relations and partnership activities.
Edward Mharadzira, Vice President, Finance and Operations
Oversees administration, finance, operations and donor compliance.
Dr. Purvi Mehta, Senior Advisor, Partnerships (AAAP)
Shapes the transition of the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program into its second phase (2026–2030).
Kristina Tanso, Development Director
Heads institutional fundraising and strategic resourcing to ensure GCA’s sustainable growth.

“These appointments reflect GCA’s growing role on the world stage,” said H.E. Macky Sall. “I warmly welcome this strengthened leadership team, which brings the experience, diversity and vision needed to accelerate adaptation where efforts where they are needed most.”

“As we scale our impact and deepen partnerships, this expanded leadership brings vital expertise to advance GCA’s mission,” added Professor Verkooijen. “I look forward to working closely with our new colleagues to drive innovation, scale finance and impact in adaptation worldwide.”

Senior Leadership Profiles

Matthew McKinnon (New Zealand)
Matthew McKinnon brings over 20 years of international experience including at the United Nations (UNDP, UNICEF, UN Secretariat) and as advisor to 7^th UN Secretary–General Kofi Annan (2007–2010). He served as founding head of the secretariat of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and V20 (2010–2023) leading its successful spearheading of calls to enshrine a 1.5°C goal in the Paris Agreement, and advising government delegations from Africa, Asia, America and the Pacific in the UN climate negotiations. He has also edited several global assessments on the impact of climate change and chairs the Advisory Board of MSC Foundation.

Edward Mharadzira (Zimbabwe)
Edward Mharadzirwa brings an extensive background in financial management and deep knowledge of GCA work, backed by over 18 years of senior experience in global development organizations, both in the field and at headquarters. With a strong foundation in leading financial strategy, internal controls, risk mitigation, and donor compliance, Edward Mharadzirwa has played a key role in strengthening financial governance at GCA through his prior role as Senior Director of Finance and Operations.

Dr. Purvi Mehta (India)
Purvi Mehta joins the GCA as a senior advisor with over 27 years of experience in agriculture, climate adaptation, and development partnerships across Asia and Africa. She previously served as Senior Advisor and Asia Director at the Gates Foundation, leading global initiatives in climate adaptation and scaling innovation and as a regional program coordinator at CGIAR. She is also Adjunct Professor at Cornell University and serves on a number of global boards and advisory panels including the World Food Prize, MIT’s JWAS Global Climate and Food Alliance and Advanta.

Kristina Tanso (United Kingdom)
Ms. Tanso joins GCA from the University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division, where she has served as Senior Development Advisor for Pediatrics and Rare Diseases, expanding the Department's private and public philanthropic portfolio internationally. With over 12 years of experience leading strategic development activities for organizations including the Nature Conservancy, Teach for All and Room to Read, she is also Adjunct Professor on Development at the University of Hong Kong.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9487479)

President of Ghana Joins Board of Global Center on Adaptation

Rotterdam/Nairobi, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today announced that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, has joined its Board. He joins a distinguished group of global leaders – including Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania; William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and Hilda Heine, President of the Marshall Islands – committed to advancing climate adaptation as an urgent development and economic priority.

President Mahama’s appointment comes as GCA deepens its work across Africa through its flagship Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, which has shaped over $15 billion in adaptation investments in 40 countries. With the opening of its new headquarters in Nairobi this year, GCA continues to scale up local action in agriculture, resilient infrastructure, youth entrepreneurship, and climate finance. As the world transitions from ambition to implementation, GCA Board members like President Mahama will be central in ensuring adaptation is treated not as a cost, but as an engine of growth, equity, and resilience.

Accepting his appointment, President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana stated: “ “I am deeply honoured to accept my appointment to the Board of the Global Centre on Adaptation today. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is an urgent crisis that is already undermining Africa’s development and jeopardising our collective future. As I join this esteemed institution, I will amplify the voices of African leaders and communities demanding greater investment in climate adaptation. The world must recognise that adaptation is not a choice but a necessity for our continent, which bears the brunt of climate impacts while contributing the least to its causes. To our development partners: Africa’s adaptation ambitions require your steadfast support. We call for increased financing, technology transfer, and collaborative action to build resilience across our vulnerable nations. The time for pledges has passed; the time for delivery is now. Together, we can safeguard Africa's future and ensure that climate justice becomes a cornerstone of global solidarity.”

Commenting on the announcement, Macky Sall, Chair of the Global Center on Adaptation and Fourth President of Senegal said: “President Mahama’s return to leadership comes at a critical moment for Africa and the world. His deep experience, unwavering commitment to sustainable development, and proven ability to deliver impact on the ground will be a major asset to the GCA Board. Together, we will work to elevate adaptation as an economic and moral imperative, ensuring that Africa’s leadership lights the path toward a more resilient future for all.”

Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, President and CEO of GCA, added: “President Mahama exemplifies how bold political leadership and integrated national strategies can accelerate climate adaptation. His holistic approach—combining finance innovation, agricultural resilience, youth engagement, and governance reform—will elevate our Board’s ability to translate global ambition into local impact, especially in Africa.”

With President Mahama’s leadership and the backing of other sitting and former heads of state on its Board, GCA is climate–proofing development across Africa and beyond—anchored by its new presence in Nairobi and a growing global mandate for action.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9466307)

Fifty Governments Stand Firm on the Drive for Economic Resilience

Rotterdam, the Netherlands, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) today hosted an inaugural Ambassadors’ Forum galvanizing global support for accelerating adaptation at speed and at scale. The event, hosted at the GCA’s Rotterdam Headquarters, called on governments, industries and civil society to redouble efforts to build “resilient economies” as the growth engine for the 21^st century.

Ambassadors and senior diplomatic representatives from 50 nations gathered in a show of support and unity for the adaptation and resilience agenda. Delegates committed to spurring sustainable growth, fostering new industries, driving innovation, and unlocking private finance to ease mounting pressures on development aid and public climate finance. The global market for climate adaptation solutions—such as advanced weather analytics, parametric insurance, and water–efficient infrastructure— is projected to be worth USD 2 trillion annually by 2026.

Welcoming the attendees, Professor Patrick V. Verkooijen, President & CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation, lauded the diplomatic community for recognizing that adaptation is not merely a defensive measure but an essential component of global economic strategy: “We are already in the ‘Resilience Endgame’. We must prepare today for the 1.5–degree world. The devastating global impacts we see today need not define the society of tomorrow. The escape plan is to double down on adaptation and capture its incredible economic dividends.” He added that “the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program, our flagship initiative, the largest adaptation program in the world, has shown us that growth and building resilience are intrinsically linked. But we can do so much more – together. Adaptation is about future–proofing our economies, protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding food supplies, and ensuring that new opportunities can thrive in changing conditions. By rallying together, we multiply the impact of innovative investments and encourage the ‘resilience dividend’—the powerful, compounding benefits that flow from forward–thinking action.”

Delivering remarks, Professor Jan Peter Balkenende, Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Minister of State, and Executive Board Member of the GCA, emphasized that genuine progress on climate resilience will unlock broad–based dividends: “What happens in the most vulnerable countries does not stay there. Climate change amplifies food insecurity, migration, and conflict. In fragile states, environmental stress can become a security threat. Europe and the world must take this seriously. Investing in resilience is not only right — it is wise.” He added that “This is why we need true global cooperation, based on shared interest and shared responsibility.”

Reflecting on adaptation efforts in Africa and beyond, H.E. Halima Mucheke, Ambassador of the Republic of Kenya in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, spoke about the significance of GCA’s new headquarters in Nairobi: “Kenya is proud to host the GCA’s new headquarters in Nairobi which will intensify support for adaptation programs across Africa, leading these programs North–South. Around the world, resilient infrastructure is the hot new investment class. Climate adaptation is a framework for protecting infrastructure, securing food systems and creating new business and job opportunities. And it is being aided by a thriving market in climate solutions.” He added that “The continent’s leading initiative in this area – the Africa Adaptation Acceleration Programme (AAAP) – has already channelled more than $15bn to strengthen essential systems against climate shocks. These funds are helping to secure the adaptability and livelihoods of nearly 60 million vulnerable people in 40 countries. We need to keep scaling this up, working as a global community, North–South, South–South, South–North–all together.”

Following the opening remarks delegates also heard from the lead architect and founder of Powerhouse Company, Nanne de Ru, about how GCA’s European headquarters at the Floating Office Rotterdam is an award–winning sustainable building recognized worldwide as a model for climate–resilient infrastructure.
The reception forms part of GCA’s broader advocacy strategy to advance climate adaptation solutions worldwide—focusing on protecting infrastructure, securing food systems, catalysing economic growth, and fostering global collaboration. By bringing together high–level diplomats, GCA reinforced its role as a leading international organisation in developing and implementing adaptation strategies that bolster economies against intensifying climate shocks.

Participating Countries and Representatives
A wide cross–section of the diplomatic community participated in the reception:

Afghanistan: H.E. Mr. Mohammad Asif Rahimi (Ambassador)
Algeria: Ms. Ghalia Benziouche (Minister Counselor)
Australia: H.E. Dr. Greg French (Ambassador), Ms. Milena Arsic (First Secretary), Mr. Sybren Holt (Research Officer in Charge of Investment and Trade)
Austria: Mr. Oliver Crazzolara (Ambassador’s Assistant – Policy & Research Officer)
Azerbaijan: H.E. Mr. Mammad Ahmadzada (Ambassador)
Barbados: H.E. N. Simone Rudder (Ambassador)
Belarus: H.E. Andrei Yeudachenka (Ambassador)
Bolivia: H.E. Roberto Calzadilla Sarmiento (Ambassador)
Brazil: Mr. Gaétan Spielmann Moura (Secretary)
Burkina Faso: H.E. Mr. Léopold Tonguenoma Bonkoungou (Ambassador)
Burundi: H.E. Ms. Isabelle Ndahayo (Ambassador)
Cameroon: H.E. Mrs. Liguemoh Ondoua Madeleine (Ambassador)
Chile: H.E. Jorge Carvajal (Ambassador), Mrs. María Fernanda Vila (Minister Counselor)
China: Mr. Gu Yanbin (Second Secretary), Ms. Zhan Leilei (Second Secretary)
Comoros: H.E. Mohamed Chatur Badaoui (Ambassador)
Costa Rica: H.E. Arnoldo Brenes Castro (Ambassador)
Croatia: H.E. Dubravka Plejić Marković (Ambassador)
Cuba: H.E. Mrs. Eva Yelina Silva Walker (Ambassador)
Czech Republic: Mr. Stanislav Beneš (Minister Counsellor)
Denmark: Ms. Anniek Barnhoorn (Academic Officer)
El Salvador: H.E. Agustín Vásquez Gómez (Ambassador)
Ethiopia: H.E. Ambassador Eshete Tilahun (Ambassador)
Ghana: H.E. Francis Kotia (Ambassador)
Greece: Ms. Antigoni Bampi (Scientific Collaborator)
Guatemala: H.E. Mrs. Ana Cristina Rodríguez Pineda (Ambassador)
Hungary: Mr. Dániel Csonka (Deputy Head of Mission)
India: H.E. Mr. Kumar Tuhin (Ambassador)
Kenya: H.E. Halima Mucheke (Ambassador)
Lithuania: H.E. Neilas Tankevičius (Ambassador)
Malaysia: H.E. Roseli Abdul (Ambassador)
Malta: Mr. Matthew Grima (Deputy Head of Mission)
Montenegro: Mr. Milisav Raspopović (Charge d’Affaires)
Morocco: H.E. Mr. Mohamed Basri (Ambassador)
Nepal: H.E. Sewa Lamsal (Ambassador)
Nigeria: Mrs. Nnenne E. Ibekaku (Charge d’Affaires)
Pakistan: H.E. Ambassador Syed Haider (Ambassador)
Panama: H.E. Mrs. Sally LOO HUI (Ambassador)
Peru: Mr. Carlos Díaz (International Cooperation and Cultural Attaché)
Philippines: H.E. J. Eduardo Malaya (Ambassador)
Qatar: Mr. Saad Yousif Saad Al–Mana (First Secretary)
Rwanda: Mr. Jean Hugues Mukama (Charge d’Affaires)
Saudi Arabia: H.H. Prince Jalawi Al Saud (Ambassador)
Senegal: H.E. Madame Ramatoulaye Ba Faye (Ambassador), Mr. Henry Pierre Sarr (First Secretary)
Somalia: H.E. Khadija O. Ali (Ambassador)
South Africa: H.E. Mr. Vusimuzi Philemon Madonsela (Ambassador)
Türkiye: Mr. Bilal Köse (Consul)
Yemen: H.E. Sahar Ghanem (Ambassador)

Notes to Editors
About the Global Center on Adaptation
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is an international organization that promotes adaptation to the impacts of climate change. It works to climate–proof development by instigating policy reforms and influencing investments made by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.

Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation in its approach to climate adaptation as well as in its physical presence. It operates from the largest floating office in the world, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Beijing, China. The Center will open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya in 2025.

GLOBENEWSWIRE (Distribution ID 9423490)

October 2025
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« Sep
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31