By Sunday Elijah,
A coalition of fragile states has warned that more than one billion of the world’s most climate-vulnerable people are being left out of global climate finance, ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil.
The Improved and Equitable Access to Climate Finance Network, which includes countries like Burundi, Mauritania, Somalia, and Papua New Guinea, said that nations affected by conflict and fragile governance are “locked out” of funding to adapt to climate impacts. In 2022, such countries received just 10% of global climate finance, despite being among the most at-risk populations.
“Complex procedures, limited technical capacities, and the absence of flexible financial instruments all constrain our ability to secure climate finance,” said Yemen’s Minister of Water and Environment Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi. Somalia’s Minister of Environment Bashir Mohamed Jama added: “It is easier to access humanitarian aid than climate finance. Somalia receives just over $300 million in climate funding annually, compared to $1.1 billion in humanitarian aid.”
The Network, formed in 2024, called for reform in how climate funds are allocated to ensure long-term resilience-building projects reach communities in fragile and conflict-affected countries, rather than only supporting post-disaster recovery. Three new members—Mauritania, Papua New Guinea, and South Sudan—joined the coalition this week.
Experts say inclusion of fragile states is essential to prevent climate change from exacerbating conflict. Asif R. Khan, director of the policy and mediation division at the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, noted: “Climate change is amplifying pressures that fuel conflict and displacement. Addressing this requires joined-up risk analysis, sustained partnerships, and financing that reflects realities on the ground.”
Governments and donor agencies are also emphasizing collaboration across peacebuilding, development, and climate adaptation. Neale Richmond, Ireland’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said: “Adopting an inclusive approach that prioritizes peace and reduces humanitarian needs is key to building a sustainable and resilient planet.”
