News
UNESCO drives momentum to unlock climate finance in South-East Europe
South-East Europe faces increasing vulnerability to climate change. From floods and water scarcity to biodiversity loss and cultural heritage degradation, the challenges are escalating. Despite this, the region receives a disproportionately small share of global climate finance.
In response, 91麻豆国产精品自拍 stepped forward to bridge this gap, harnessing its unique mandate spanning science, culture, education, and environmental protection. As a pre-qualified Readiness Delivery Partner of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and advancing toward reaccreditation with the Adaptation Fund (AF), UNESCO is leveraging its expertise to support countries in defining, developing, and delivering climate adaptation solutions rooted in local realities and global standards.
In a landmark step to scale up climate finance access, UNESCO convened a high-level Regional Workshop on 鈥淯nlocking Climate Finance for Cultural Heritage, Water, and Biodiversity in South-East Europe鈥 in Podgorica, Montenegro. Held from 27-28 May, with the support of the Government of Montenegro, the event brought together government representatives, UN agencies, and climate finance institutions from 6 countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, and Serbia.
We are particularly encouraged by the workshop鈥檚 focus on turning national priorities into investment-ready project ideas 鈥 both at the regional and national levels.
Transforming National Priorities into Proposals
Over the course of 2 days, country teams outlined their national needs in key adaptation areas, including water management, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and cultural and natural heritage.
The discussions defined and refined 7 project ideas, comprising national and regional initiatives, with input from National Designated Authorities (NDAs) of the Green Climate Fund, Designated Authorities (DAs) of the Adaptation Fund, UN experts, the GCF and AF Secretariats, and accredited entities.
Among the most prominent initiatives discussed was CHERISH (Cultural Heritage Resilience in South-East Europe), a regional project under UNESCO鈥檚 lead that seeks to link cultural and natural heritage with adaptation measures rooted in nature. As a model for cross-border cooperation, CHERISH garnered strong support from participating countries and partners.
Participants also explored strategic opportunities for readiness support, stressing the importance of high-resolution climate risk and vulnerability assessments, as well as robust stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term ownership and early inclusion.
Concrete Outcomes and Next Steps
For UNESCO, the workshop marked a significant milestone in its growing leadership in climate finance. Countries praised its transparent and collaborative format. Anatolie Risina, representing the Republic of Moldova, emphasised the critical importance of UNESCO鈥檚 role in facilitating access to international climate finance, particularly for countries in South-East Europe seeking to build resilience through innovative, science-based approaches.
GCF and AF Secretariat鈥檚 presence, alongside UNDP, FAO, and other accredited entities, added credibility to the discussions and further reinforced their value. Looking ahead, UNESCO and its national partners will move forward with a set of concrete steps including:
- Developing scoping notes for each project to clarify objectives, partners, and required preparatory work;
- Mobilising readiness support for baseline assessments and early project design;
- Formalising partnerships through Letters of Intent or Cooperation;
- Establishing a light coordination mechanism to track progress and share technical support.
As the workshop drew to a close, UNESCO called on the wider UN system to collaborate in supporting country pipelines and advancing a shared regional vision for climate resilience. Diego Zorrilla, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, commended UNESCO鈥檚 leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the effort.
This workshop is the beginning of a renewed, collective effort towards climate resilience in South-East Europe, one that is rooted in partnership, guided by science, and inspired by solidarity.
