UNESCO drives momentum to unlock climate finance in South-East Europe

South-East Europe faces increasing vulnerability to climate change. From floods and water scarcity to biodiversity loss and cultural heritage degradation, the challenges are escalating. Despite this, the region receives a disproportionately small share of global climate finance.

In response, UNESCO has stepped forward to bridge this gap, harnessing its unique mandate spanning science, culture, education, and environmental protection. As a pre-qualified Readiness Delivery Partner of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and advancing toward reaccreditation with the Adaptation Fund (AF), UNESCO is leveraging its expertise to support countries in defining, developing, and delivering climate adaptation solutions rooted in local realities and global standards.

In a landmark step to scale up climate finance access, UNESCO convened a high-level Regional Workshop on “Unlocking Climate Finance for Cultural Heritage, Water, and Biodiversity in South-East Europe” in Podgorica, Montenegro. Held from 27-28 May, with the support of the Government of Montenegro, the event brought together government representatives, UN agencies, and climate finance institutions from 6 countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Republic of Moldova, and Serbia.