IKI network event at COP28
Around 70 participants from the IKI community took part at the IKI networking event, held at the margins of the Climate Change COP28 in Dubai.
This presented an opportunity to discuss about the future trajectory of the funding programme alongside representatives from the 3 IKI ministries and commemorating the 15 years of IKI.
Dr Phillip Behrens, Head of the International Climate Initiative Division at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) inaugurated the event by emphasizing the significance of the recently unveiled IKI strategy. Titled "The Strategy of the International Climate Initiative until 2030," the publication coincided with the commencement of the World Climate Conference.
In his opening statement, Behrens highlighted a crucial aspect of the strategy, emphasizing the need to bolster support for scaling up various projects. He also expressed a keen interest in hearing from implementing organisations regarding their innovative ideas for expanding the reach and impact of their successful projects.
In reflecting on the 15th anniversary of the IKI established in 2008, Ilka Hirt, Head of the International Policy Directorate at the Federal Environment Ministry (BMUV), underscored the accomplishments of the funding programme. Hirt stated, “For BMUV, the IKI is the perfect instrument because it tackles the interlinkages of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss. It also plays a crucial role in strengthening policies and fostering bilateral and multilateral relations.” This acknowledgment reinforces the pivotal role IKI continues to play in addressing complex global challenges and contributing to the broader environmental and diplomatic goals of the ministry.
Miriam Ott, Head of the Climate Partnerships, Bilateral Climate Cooperation, International Climate Initiative Division at the German Federal Foreign Office, extended the discussion by underscoring the targeted approach of IKI funding towards the 14 priority countries outlined in the program. She placed the ongoing COP28 negotiations in a broader context, stating, "The IKI is closely linked to the two global conventions, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The project work and priorities of the IKI will play a crucial role in shaping our response to the climate crisis and species extinction—guiding our efforts not only in the upcoming two years but also in the long term.
In the ensuing fishbowl-format discussion, participants had the opportunity to engage with the IKI representatives from the ministries regarding the funding programme. Participants sought information from the ministries on various aspects, such as the selection of priority countries or the selection of the priorities for the Thematic Call 2023.
Following the discussion, ample time was available for networking and socializing over dinner—a perfect occasion to raise a glass in celebration of the IKI anniversary year and its remarkable 15-year journey!
Impressions
Three IKI ministries on stage: Miriam Ott, Ilka Hirt and Philipp Behrens introducing the network event.
Around 70 participants from the IKI community took part in the event ...
... and used the opportunity for a direct exchange with the IKI ministries (here during the discussion in fishbowl format).
At the end of the event, there was plenty of time to socialise and network over dinner - and to raise a glass to 15 years of IKI!
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