New Online Course Unlocks the Essentials of Climate Finance
February 4, 2025

UNDP has launched a new online training course on climate finance. It offers policymakers, finance and planning practitioners, and private sector actors a way to better understand, access, and manage finance for climate action. Developed by the Climate Finance Network (CFN) and UNITAR, the course breaks down the complexities of climate finance and provides practical tools for those working to secure and direct funding toward sustainable solutions.
The training was introduced during an online event focused on climate finance and in the UNDP-Columbia dialogue on Public Finance where experts discussed the challenges many governments face in funding climate initiatives and the opportunities thereof. While climate finance is growing, many countries struggle to navigate the system, align funding with national priorities, and attract private investment. This course is designed to fill those knowledge gaps and provide a roadmap for action.
What’s in the Course?
The training is built around four key themes:
- Climate Finance Foundations – Understanding climate finance sources, key financial instruments, and access to global climate funds.
- Amplifying Public Finance Impact – Integrating climate considerations into public financial management and national budgets.
- Unlocking Private and Innovative Investments – Exploring mechanisms such as green bonds, carbon pricing, and blended finance to attract private investment.
- Crafting a Climate Finance Roadmap—This is a hands–on module in which participants apply their learning to develop a climate finance strategy.
It’s fully online and self-paced, so participants can take it whenever it fits their schedule. Upon completion, a certificate is awarded.
Why This Matters
The demand for climate finance expertise is growing as governments, businesses, and financial institutions grapple with the rising costs of climate change. This training provides clear, accessible guidance to help decision-makers cut through the complexity and take action.
The course is part of CFN’s ongoing efforts to support Ministries of Finance in Asia and the Pacific. It was developed in collaboration with UNITAR and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Government of Sweden (Sida).
Find out more and enrol here: https://unccelearn.org/course/view.php?id=205&page=overview