Unlocking Climate Blended Finance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region
2 Dec
14:30-16:00 GST
Background: The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces a critical juncture in sustainable development financing, particularly in pivotal sectors such as energy, agriculture, and water and sanitation. Despite the significant financial resources within the region, the utilization of blended finance remains disproportionately low. MENA has seen economic growth but still faces infrastructure deficits, high unemployment, and climate vulnerability. The region held over $3 trillion in sovereign wealth capital as of 2021, presenting vast potential for investment. However, to date, the MENA region has recorded only 89 blended finance deals, amounting to about $25 billion in total financing volume.
Objectives of the session:
? How to utilize blended finance to mobilize capital for climate finance in MENA
? What regulatory barriers may be inhibiting climate blended finance investments in MENA?
? What are successful examples of innovative climate blended finance structures and instruments deployed to mitigate risks and mobilize private investments in other regions that can shed light on how to best replicate in MENA?
? Given the enormous sovereign wealth capital in MENA, how can we best incentivize and encourage the use of this capital in a more catalytic manner?