By Ms. Sumnima Ghimire

The webinar on “Financing a Climate-Resilient Future for ASEAN Cities: Pathways and Lessons” was organized by the CLARE–ASEAN initiative in partnership with the Climate Policy Initiative, India. The CLARE–ASEAN initiative is led by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.

Held on 11 August 2026, the webinar brought together over 300 participants from more than 37 countries, reflecting the importance of the topic and the value of the perspectives and lessons shared throughout the webinar. Bringing together policymakers, practitioners and researchers, development partners, and private-sector representatives on a common platform, the discussion focused on the need for greater financing for adaptation and resilience in ASEAN cities, drawing on regional evidence and experiences to identify pathways for scaling urban climate action. It explored successful financing approaches, key implementation challenges, and opportunities for city and national governments, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and private investors to mobilize investment in urban climate resilience.

The webinar featured several segments:

• Opening and Introduction: Ms. Nabila Suria, Climate Counsellor and Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Prof. Shobhakar Dhakal, Project Lead of the CLARE-ASEAN Initiative, AIT
• Presentation: Ms. Shivaranjani, Climate Policy Initiative (CPI)
• Panel Discussion: Moderated by Ms. Preety Bhandari, Climate Policy Initiative (CPI), with panelists Mr. Curt Garrigan, Chief of the Sustainable Urban Development Section, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific; Ms. Cristina Gregorio, Regional Climate Finance Specialist, United Nations Development Programme, Bangkok and Dr. Ahmad Dzulfikar Nurrahman, Head of the Environmental Agency, Malang Regency, Indonesia
• Q&A: Interactive discussion with participants
• Closing: Dr. Arjan de Haan, Senior Program Specialist, International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

Missed the session? Watch the full recording.