IKI Networking Event at COP30: Connecting Climate Action

The traditional networking event of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) at the UN Climate Change Conference is always a special occasion to make the global IKI network visible – and to bring together people from around the world who are working on solutions for climate action.

In a relaxed atmosphere, around 100 participants came together to exchange ideas, learn from one another, and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Among the attendees were representatives of IKI implementing organizations and their partners, as well as officials from the German ministries involved in the funding programme.

The event was opened by Dr. Philipp Behrens, Head of Division “International Climate Initiative (IKI)” at the Federal Ministry for the Environment, and Anne-Mareike Vanselow, Acting Head of Division “Foreign Policy, Bilateral and Multilateral Climate Cooperation” at the Federal Foreign Office.

In her keynote address, Dr. Barbara Buchner, Global Managing Director of the Climate Policy Initiative, provided thought-provoking insights on innovative climate finance instruments that sparked lively discussion and exchange.

Participants then took the opportunity to ask questions and share practical experiences during an open Q&A session.

Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the ten best entries from the IKI Photo Contest 2025. The striking images—captured in IKI projects around the world—served as creative meeting points for the subsequent networking session: each photo station represented a key IKI theme, ranging from biodiversity and climate finance to sustainable land use.