Breaking the silos: How the Gap Fund fosters cooperation along the project preparation cycle

The City Climate Finance Gap Fund provides early-stage technical support for cities and local authorities to develop their climate action projects. It was set up as a unique partnership among donors, IFIs and other actors operating in the urban and climate space, such as city networks, GCoM and the CCFLA.

As such, fostering cooperation, knowledge and information sharing is at the heart of its mission. Since the Gap Fund intervenes early on in the project preparation cycle, it is vital to establish links with other project preparation facilities and finance providers in order to give the beneficiaries the best chance to move their projects forward. The same partners play a crucial role in encouraging cities to apply for Gap Fund support.

After a keynote speech setting the scene and introducing the topic, a panel discussion will showcase two examples of cooperation generated by the Gap Fund within the scope of its activities. These examples will highlight cooperation at different stages of the project preparation cycle, namely before the application to the Gap Fund and between the Gap Fund and other technical assistance facilities for the provision of follow-up support. The panel discussion will focus on the key features of the cooperation fostered by the Gap Fund, issues encountered and solutions found, as well as lessons learnt in the process.

Participants:

- Keynote speaker: Mr. Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President, EIB

- Moderator for the panel: Mr. Werner Schmidt, Director, Urban and Territorial Development, EIB

Panellists:

- Mr. Charles Mutunga, Chief Superintending Engineer, KUSP Head of Infrastructure Management, Urban Development Department, State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Kenya

- Mr. Nicodemus Mbwika, Urban Development Specialist, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Council of Governors, Kenya

- Ms. Khetiwe Malaza, Manager, Environmental Services, City of Mbombela, South Africa

- Ms. Hanna Maxine Müller, Specialist for Partnerships and Donor Relations, GIZ and C40 Cities Finance Facility