The global launch of the Net-Zero Nature-Positive Accelerator Integrated Programme (NZNPA IP), titled "Role of Finance Ministries in Catalysing Public and Private Finance to Accelerate Net-Zero Nature-Positive Action", was held on 16th October 2025, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM at the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Washington, D.C., USA.
The high-profile launch of this six-year GEF-funded IP convened Ministries of Finance from participating countries, core partners and external actors, along with the global lead, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and co-leads: the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
Participants explored how countries can leverage public and private finance to achieve the targets outlined in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, and in their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The event also provided a platform to learn about good practices and opportunities connected to the NZNPA IP.
Moderator: Hans Peter Lankes, Deputy Chief Executive and Managing Director, ODI Global
Welcoming remarks
Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility
Video Message
Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
Keynote speech
Dr. Sam Mugume, Co-Chair of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Republic of Uganda
Overview of NZNPA IP and public and private finance opportunities
Dr. Steven Stone, Deputy Director, Industry and Economy Division, United Nations Environment Programme
Role of MDBs in accelerating finance for NZNP goals
Mr. Yevgeniy Zhukov, Director General, Asian Development Bank
Mdm. Alicia Montalvo, Manager of Climate Action and Positive Biodiversity, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
Roundtable discussion
Ms. Carola Moreno, Head of Financial and International Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Chile
Mr. Temitope Akinyemi, Special Advisor to the Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy on Climate Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Mr. Antoni Ballabriga, Global Head of Sustainability Intelligence & Advocacy, BBVA
Closing remarks
Dr. Fred Boltz, Manager of the Programming Division, Global Environment Facility
