Continuity and New Beginnings – IKI Networking Evening on the sidelines of the SB Sessions in Bonn
Around 150 participants gathered for the International Climate Initiative (IKI) networking evening at the start of the second week of the June Climate Meetings 2026.
At this year’s IKI networking evening, representatives from implementing and partner organisations, ministries and international guests – some of whom had travelled over 5,000 km to attend – looked forward with keen interest to the new leadership of the IKI. Dr Kathrin Blaufuss, formerly head of the International Countries Unit and previously the Minister’s Office, and Andreas Kübler, formerly head of the BMU Press Office, are now jointly leading the IKI Unit at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). Both took the opportunity to introduce themselves to the IKI community.
IKI as a Reliable Partner
Dr Kathrin Blaufuss emphasised that the IKI would remain a reliable partner in the future, even in the current tense global situation in which climate action is under increasing pressure.
I am here today to reassure you that, with the IKI, we will continue to be a fair, transparent and reliable partner. At the same time, however, we must ensure that every euro we spend has the greatest possible impact.
IKI as an Idea and a Promise
Andreas Kübler emphasised the importance of transparent and fresh communication for the IKI, highlighting that Germany has more to offer than just financial support and technical assistance.
The IKI is both an idea and a promise. It is an idea of how we can successfully change course on global climate action, and a promise that we will do so together with the people affected and committed communities.
Narratives are needed to show people outside one’s own social circle what Germany is initiating and implementing through the IKI. For example, he told the story of a logger who, after twenty years of deforestation in the Amazon region, now lives in harmony with the forest, making a living from it and selling his natural products at the market in Belém – with Germany’s support.
The new IKI leadership team is committed to combatting the global trend of deprioritising climate action by developing strategies, fostering smart networking and ensuring transparent communication.
Taking Climate and Security into Account
Anne Vanselow from the Federal Foreign Office provided Germany’s perspective on climate foreign policy, speaking about IKI projects on climate and security. These projects are commissioned and implemented by the Federal Foreign Office in coordination with the Federal Ministry for the Environment. She emphasised the importance of access to clean water, food, and healthy diets for international security.
Janani Vivekananda, Director of Climate Diplomacy and Security at Adelphi Global, also addressed the topic of climate and security in her keynote speech. She argued that peace and security must be integral to funding programmes, including those of the IKI, since both climate change and climate action have the potential to alter power dynamics. She called for projects to be designed with conflict sensitivity in mind, explaining the implications for the four IKI funding areas: mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity, and carbon sinks. Integrating peace and security not only protects investments, but also ensures their long-term sustainability.
Sharing Experiences
After the Q&A session on the keynote speech and IKI funding programmes, the international guests enjoyed a lively networking session with views of the Rhine. They also took the opportunity to view the photographs on display from the IKI photo contest.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the speakers and participants for giving up their time and for their valuable contributions and insights. You can find more highlights in our photo gallery.
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Background
The 'June Climate Meetings 2026' comprised the 64th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Taking place in Bonn from 8 to 18 June, the conference served to prepare for the World Climate Conference in autumn.