The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) is present at the 29th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) from November 11-22, 2024 at the Baku Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan. Held annually, COP gathers leaders and representatives of 198 parties, intergovernmental bodies, civil society, media, and others to discuss and find solutions to key issues in the climate crisis.
COP29 is dubbed the “Finance COP,” as a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance is set to be agreed upon. High-level ministerial dialogues on the NCQG were held in COP28 last year, highlighting the missed collective target of USD 100 billion and emphasizing the financial needs of developing countries, Least Developed Countries (LDCs), and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to be able to address the impacts of climate change.
ICSC serves as the co-convenor of the Independent Global Stocktake Southeast Asia Hub (iGST SEA Hub), a civil society consortium in support of the Global Stocktake (GST) processes of the UNFCCC, and as a coordination hub member of the Global Shield Against Climate Risks, a financial mechanism that aims to protect climate vulnerable countries and communities against climate- and disaster-related risks. It also supports the Vulnerable 20 (V20) Group of Finance Ministers, under the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).
CONTACT
Ira Dominique Guerrero, Communications Manager, ICSC
ira@icsc.ngo / media@icsc.ngo
Note: All schedules indicated are in Azerbaijan time (GMT +4)
NEWS AND UPDATES
Climate finance accountability needed from both donor and recipient countries – experts at COP29
BAKU, 22 November 2024 –– The 29th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) concludes today, and as negotiations progressed to agree on a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance in the past two weeks, experts from civil society from the Philippines, Ghana, and South Africa emphasized the need for accountability [...]
Dela Cruz: “Climate finance ensures countries survive, and thrive with their dignity intact”
In the beginning of the 29th Conference of Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz was featured in the November 14 broadcast of Dateline Philippines on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), highlighting how climate finance can help ensure that small island developing countries, such as the Philippines, are [...]
ICSC EVENTS
Schedule and Location
14 November 2024
16:15 – 17:15
⚲ Regional Climate
Foundations Pavilion
Event Information
Making Southeast Asia NDC Ambitious
Southeast Asia is on the path toward becoming the epicentrum of growth with its gross domestic product (GDP) expected to triple from USD 3.1 trillion in 2021 to USD 10.5 in 2050 (ACE, 2022). However, the region has the potential to lose 35% of its GDP by 2050 due to the effect of climate change in terms of non-economic and economic losses (Open Access Government, 2021). As such, a collective contribution to reduce emission is needed in the region, while ensuring the region’s economic growth. This collective contribution should be reflected in the upcoming ambitious Second Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of each ASEAN country and its implementation to achieve the region’s climate target.
The side event aims to:
- Address the urgency of setting an ambitious NDC in Southeast Asia, as well as improving its implementation to achieve climate targets; and
- Provide a platform for various stakeholders (government, think-tank, CSOs, mass media) in discussing the challenges and the opportunities of NDC implementation in Southeast Asia.
Moderator:
- Suzanty Sitorus, Executive Director, ViriyaENB, Indonesia
Speakers:
- Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director. Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR), Indonesia
- Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, Executive Director, ICSC, Philippines
- Hershey Dela Cruz, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Energy Coordination and Cooperation Division, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, Philippines’ Department of Energy
- Faizal Parish, Executive Director of Global Environment Centre,Malaysia
- Sara Jane Ahmed, Managing Director and Finance Advisor, V20 Group of Finance Ministers of the CVF
Schedule and Location
15 November 2024
9:00 – 10:00
⚲ Philippine Pavilion
Event Information
Building Climate Resilience: The Role of Enabling Policies, and Subnational and Non-State Actors in Accelerating the Energy Transition in the Philippines
The Philippines stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. With its commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience, there is an increasing need to accelerate the transition into renewable energy sources. Achieving this transition requires not only robust policy support, but also substantial financing and active participation from sub-national actors and non-state actors.
By mobilizing energy finance and leveraging the influence of local governments, businesses, and communities, the Philippines can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy, enhance energy security, and promote equitable economic growth.
This side event aims to examine the synergies between energy finance and subnational actors in promoting renewable energy adoption and accelerating the energy transition in the Philippines, focusing on:
- Effective financing models that can address barriers to renewable energy investment;
- Unique contributions and roles of subnational actors in implementing clean energy initiatives at the local level; and
- Policy and regulatory support necessary to unlock energy financing and enable decentralized energy transition efforts.
Moderator:
Danica Marie Supnet, Director for Climate Policy, ICSC
Speakers:
- Michael Sinocruz, Director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, Department of Energy (DOE)
- Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, Executive Director, ICSC
- Sara Jane Ahmed, Managing Director and Finance Advisor, V20 Group of Finance Ministers
- Fabby Tumiwa, Executive Director, IESR
- Christian Soqueño, Energy Program Lead, The Climate Reality Project Philippines
Schedule and Location
15 November 2024
14:00 – 15:00
⚲ Philippine Pavilion
Event Information
The Philippines’ Multisectoral Approach to Achieving a Just Transition
Hosted by the Southeast Asia Energy Transition Partnership (ETP), this one-hour panel discussion will explore the Philippines’ recently updated Philippine Energy Plan, which underscores the country’s ambitious energy transition goals.
The session will bring together representatives from the Philippine government and civil society organizations to discuss the Energy Plan and the challenges of meeting its energy targets in alignment with the country’s climate commitments, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Through diverse perspectives, the discussion aims to highlight critical policy enablers, non-government support and collaborative strategies essential for achieving a resilient energy system, enhancing readiness for greater clean energy integration, and fostering an equitable energy future in the Philippines.
The panel aims to:
- Increase awareness of the climate challenges faced by the Philippines’ energy sector and the solutions being implemented to address them; and
- Discuss the Philippines’ strategies, opportunities, and challenges in achieving its clean energy scenario goals and contribute to the Philippines’ NDCs.
Moderator:
Mr. John Cotton, ETP Senior Program Manager
Speakers:
- Michael Sinocruz, Director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, DOE
- Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, Executive Director, ICSC
- Pierre Horna, Manager, Financing Energy Transition (FET) of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
Event Information
Unveiling the Money Trail: Climate Finance Accountability Through Local Tracking and Validation
Climate finance is an essential pillar of climate action, without which developing countries will not be able to implement the climate measures they stated in their Nationally Determined Contributions and their National Adaptation Plan.
This side event will present the importance of tracking climate finance flows from the donor to the recipient communities. It will also highlight the importance of accountability from both donor and recipient entities to effectively address challenges in mobilizing climate finance. French, Spanish, Arabic, and sign language interpretations are available during the side event.
This side event is co-organized by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII), The Climate Reality Project Philippines, and African Climate Reality Project.
Moderator:
Christian Soqueño, Energy Program Lead, The Climate Reality Project Philippines
Speakers:
- Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, Executive Director, ICSC
- Danica Marie Supnet, Climate Policy Director, ICSC
- Courtney Morgan, Senior Campaigner and Coordinator, African Climate Reality Project
- Aurelie Kalenga Njimngou, Branch Manager, African Climate Reality Project
- Nana Mariam Yussif, West Africa Hub Coordinator, African Climate Reality Project
- Soenke Kreft, Executive Director, MCII
- Geneva Georgina Laurel Oliverie, Deputy Director for International Finance Reform and Trade, CVF-V20 Secretariat
Schedule and Location
18 November 2024
16:15 – 17:15
⚲ Regional Climate
Foundation Pavilion
Event Information
Empowering Indigenous and Local Leadership: The Strategic Role of Subnational and Non-State Actors in Advancing Climate Resilience and Accelerating the Just Energy Transition
The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable, and regions on the frontlines of slow-onset climate impacts must be prioritized in global, national, and local responses.
The Thar desert is one of Pakistan’s largest water-scarce regions, spread over 19,638 square kilometers in Sindh province’s District Tharparkar. Thar’s natural water table has significantly receded over the years, owing to droughts, climate change-induced extreme weather events, as well as coal mining and extraction activities. The Thari people rely on well water for their livelihoods, agriculture, and daily use.
In the Philippines, Eastern Visayas, known as the country’s typhoon belt, stands as another vivid example of the pressing need for climate resilience and an accelerated energy transition. For more information on the side event, visit https://regionalclimatefoundations.org/agenda/indigenous-communities-leading-climate-action-case-study-of-the-thar-regions-fight-for-coal-phase-out/
Moderator:
Rimsha Rehan, Researcher, Policy Research Institute for Equitable Development (PRIED)
Speakers:
- Lidy Nacpil, Climate Activist and Leader Asian Peoples Movement on Debt & Development (APMDD)
- Dr. Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI)
- Romil Hernandez, Director for Energy Policy, ICSC
- Michael Sinocruz, Director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, DOE
Schedule and Location
21 November 2024
09:30 – 11:00
⚲ Asia Climate Solutions Pavilion
Event Information
Powering Asia’s Future: Unlocking Energy Finance for a Just Transition
Asia’s rapid economic growth has fueled a continuously increasing demand for energy, placing the region at a crossroads between development and sustainability. As countries shift towards low-carbon pathways to meet their climate targets, the role of energy finance has become critical. But financing a just energy transition in Asia is complex, facing challenges like inconsistent policies, investment risks, and the need for substantial capital in emerging markets.
The panel will address these issues, focusing on how innovative financial mechanisms, policy frameworks, and cross-sector partnerships can accelerate Asia’s shift to clean energy. Specifically, the panel aims to:
- Explore innovative policy solutions and financial mechanisms that can unlock capital for Asia’s clean energy transition, addressing barriers specific to emerging markets and fostering collaboration between public and private sectors; and
- Identify actionable strategies for ensuring an inclusive and equitable energy transition, highlighting approaches that support vulnerable communities and promote social benefits alongside environmental goals.
Moderator:
Romil Hernandez, Director for Energy Policy, ICSC
Speakers:
- Michael Sinocruz, Director, Energy Policy and Planning Bureau, DOE
- Janssen Martinez, Manager for Climate Policy, ICSC
- Christian Soqueño, Energy Program Lead, The Climate Reality Project Philippines
- Joel Chester Pagulayan, Climate Justice Portfolio Manager, Oxfam Pilipinas
- Gahee Han, Energy Markets and Policy Head, Solutions for Our Climate
- Lidy Nacpil, Coordinator and Senior Program Manager for Transformation of Energy Systems, Asian Peoples’ Movement on Debt and Development
ICSC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
Schedule and Location
14 November 2024
17:30 – 19:00
⚲ Regional Climate
Foundations Pavilion
Event Information
Accelerating tripling renewable energy
This side event will tackle current efforts and challenges in tripling renewable energy in different countries in order to contribute to energy transition pathways and the global goal. In addition, the panel will explore possible solutions in international cooperation through sharing best practices in policy, market mechanisms, technologies, finance and investments, and products.
ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz will be speaking in this side event to discuss generating ambition for accelerated deployment of renewables. He will also be joined by energy policy experts from Pakistan and China.
The side event is organized by the Energy Foundation China and Tara Climate Foundation. For more information, visit
https://regionalclimatefoundations.org/agenda/accelerating-tripling-renewable-energy/
Schedule and Location
15 November 2024
15:15 – 16:45
⚲ Korea Pavilion
Event Information
Strategies for Tripling Renewable Energy by 2030: Offshore Wind Deployment and Case Studies Across Market Stages
Organized by Solutions For Our Climate (SFOC), this side event will serve as a venue for knowledge and insight exchanges on how legislation, financing, and supply chain development can accelerate offshore energy development in Asia and the Pacific.
ICSC Executive Director Angelo Kairos dela Cruz is part of this side event’s panel discussion, where he will tackle the early stages of offshore wind development in the Philippines and existing government policies that support these efforts.
For more information about SFOC’s engagements in COP29, visit https://forourclimate.org/insights/23.
Schedule and Location
19 November 2024
14:30 – 16:00
⚲ Asia Climate Solutions Pavilion
Event Information
Shaping a Renewable Energy Future for Southeast Asia: A Spotlight on Initiatives to Advance Renewable Energy in the Philippines
Southeast Asia has massive potential for renewable energy advancement, yet the region still has a long way to go in its transition away from fossil fuels. Organized by the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), this side event will lay the landscape of renewables in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on communities and efforts in the Philippines.
ICSC’s Director for Energy Policy Romil Hernandez will serve as a panelist in this session, and he will discuss overcoming policy and regulatory barriers in unlocking renewable energy.
Event Information
Beyond Big Banks: Financing Decentralised Climate Solutions for the Global South
This side event, organized by the Indian Network on Ethics and Climate Change (INECC) in collaboration with LAYA, SCINDeA, Gram Saarthi, and CLEAN Energy Access Network, explores innovative financing mechanisms for decentralized climate solutions, with the aim to amplify voices from the Global South through discussions on equitable, gender-just approaches to climate resilience.
ICSC’s Manager for Climate Policy Janssen Martinez will be joining as a panelist in this side event, alongside experts, grassroots leaders, and advocates from developing countries.
PARTNER EVENTS
For more information about CVF-V20’s involvement in COP29, visit https://cvfv20.org/events/cvf-v20-sessions-at-cop29/.