Nearly 65% of adults in the Arab region remain excluded from formal financial systems, according to a new report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). The Annual SDG Review 2025 paints a sobering picture of persistent financial exclusion that is undermining the region’s ability …
African cities and local governments are under increasing pressure to provide infrastructure and services to the growing population. Yet, most remain severely under-resourced, leaving them unable to make the necessary investments. This situation has been exacerbated by the struggle of African cities and municipalities to access third-party finance, including debt. …
This report reviews and examines the use of risk mitigation and transfer (RMT) instruments in private utility-scale renewable energy investment. The trillions of dollars needed to achieve global climate goals are more than an abstract number. They need to be channeled through viable projects that result in desirable outcomes, such …
This synthesis report on the technical dialogue of the first global stocktake is based on inputs received throughout the process and discussions held during each of the three meetings of the technical dialogue and serves as an overarching and factual resource that provides a comprehensive overview of discussions held during …
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) has had a transformative impact on India, extending far beyond inclusive finance. The G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion document prepared by World Bank has lauded transformative impact of DPIs in India over the past decade under the Central Government. The document highlights the groundbreaking measures …
A new report reveals for the first time that the world’s banks including HSBC, Citigroup and Barclays are channeling, on average, an astounding 20 times more finance into the major causes of climate change than governments in the Global South are receiving as funding for climate solutions. How the Finance …
Although Africa accounts for one-fifth of the global population, the region currently attracts only 3% of global energy investment. By 2030, energy investment needs to double to over USD 200 billion per year, in order for African countries to achieve all their energy-related development goals, including universal access to modern …
Tracking adaptation finance globally, and specifically in Africa, is critically important to identify trends, uncover gaps, and set concrete priorities for effective finance flows. In the context of the Africa Climate Summit, this policy brief highlights the need to dramatically increase the amount and efficacy of adaptation financing to Africa. …
The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) represents an historic investment in climate resilience and equitable economic development in the United States. The GGRF, managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), will provide $27 billion in grants to state, local, and tribal governments as well as not-for-profit financial institutions to …
As nature-related disclosures are set to become a business norm, this report assesses the readiness of financial institutions to build on their climate reporting towards holistic climate and nature disclosures. The report analyzes the current state of environmental reporting by financial institutions with a focus on climate change, forests and …
This report assesses climate finance in Asia and the Pacific and analyzes how it can be harnessed by developing member countries to expand climate action and spur low-carbon, resilient growth. Designed to help governments and development partners identify and address barriers, it offers a subregional breakdown and underscores the need …
This paper discusses the role of local governments as powerful, but often over-looked, actors in locally led adaptation. Local governments represent key stakeholders that have largely untapped potential to lead local adaptation action, mediate between local actors and national authorities, and manage climate finance to address local needs. This paper …
Around Rs 79 crore has been transferred to ineligible beneficiaries under the Ministry of Rural Development’s National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) between 2017 and 2021, an audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed. Of this, Rs two crore was paid to beneficiaries even after their …
Today's world stands at the crossroads of major global challenges, ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change and environmental degradation. These pressing issues underscore the essential role of sustainable development in forging a prosperous, equitable, and peaceful future for all. Building on the insights and findings of SDSN Senior …
Extreme weather events impacted India on 314 of 365 days in 2022. Yet, major Indian banks have been unprepared to confront climate risks, according to a new analysis prepared by Bengaluru-based think tank Climate Risk Horizons. The report, Still Unprepared, is based on assessment of the year 2022, and finds …
Central Africa achieved real GDP growth of 5.0 percent in 2022, compared with 3.4 percent in 2021. The rebound in economic activity was driven by favourable prices for raw materials, in a region that is home to net exporters of crude oil, minerals and other commodities. The region’s growth rate …
West Africa experienced slower economic growth over the past year except for Cabo Verde, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, and Niger, according to the African Development Bank’s 2023 West Africa Economic Outlook report. The report assessed the economic performance of 15 West African countries, namely: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte …
Low-carbon and resilient agrifood systems are vital to ensure the food security of a growing human population and global economic development. These systems are the processes and actors that convert natural resources and the environment into benefits and costs for humans through agricultural production and agro-industries. This report presents the …
Decentralised renewable energy (DRE) technologies play a critical role in enabling an equitable energy transition and ensuring energy security for many emerging and developing economies. These technologies address three of the most pressing challenges faced in developing countries: they support diverse energy needs and, thereby, the livelihoods of large populations; …
This Report of the Standing Committee on Energy deals with actiontaken by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on observations/ recommendations contained in the Twenty-First Report (Seventeenth Lok Sabha) of the Committee (2021-22) on the subject ‘Financial Constraints in Renewable Energy Sector. The Twenty-First Report was presented to the …
The 2023 Southern Africa Economic Outlook, analyses the recent economic trends and developments in Southern Africa. In line with this year’s theme for the annual outlook: mobilizing private sector financing for climate and green growth in Africa, the report also explores the potential role of the private sector in financing …
