Background 

Asia-Pacific countries have set ambitious climate goals through their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), but a persistent gap remains between ambitions and investment. The estimated cost for climate adaptation alone in developing countries is projected to reach between $310 - $365 billion annually by 2035, public funds alone are simply not enough.  

This is where blended finance comes in. By strategically using public capital to absorb initial risks, private sector investment can be unlocked at scale. This approach improves the risk-return profile of sustainable projects, turning climate policies into bankable opportunities, especially for Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and climate-resilient agriculture, driving inclusive impact where it is needed most.  

About the Event 

To help bridge this gap between policy and capital, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate Finance Network and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), with support from the Government of Sweden (Sida) and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), are convening key regional stakeholders. 

The "From Policy to Capital" dialogue is a practitioner-led exchange focused on actionable solutions. Bringing together policymakers, financial institutions, and development partners, the event will explore practical pathways to deploy capital to MSMEs, women-led businesses, and climate-vulnerable communities, ensuring climate finance is equitable and impactful. 

Objectives and Expected Outcomes 

The dialogue aims to deliver concrete strategies to accelerate climate finance deployment across the region: 

1. Bridging policy and investment: Directly linking national climate policies (NDCs and NAPs) with investable project pipelines. 
2. Advancing financial instruments: Accelerate the design and application of "green guarantees" and innovative de-risking mechanisms for MSMEs and local resilience. 
3. Fostering regional collaboration: Driving peer-to-peer learning and knowledge exchange through the Climate Finance Network. 
4. Strengthening financing ecosystems: Equipping national and local financial institutions to serve as stronger enablers of inclusive climate action.