Mauritius Convenes Small Island States to Unlock Climate Finance and Advance National Climate Commitments
24 Feb. 2026, Ebéne, Mauritius — The Republic of Mauritius will host a three-day regional forum on 24–26 Feb., bringing together Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address shared vulnerabilities and map strategies to scale climate finance and advance Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that drive climate resilient development.
The event reflects Mauritius’ commitment to taking a proactive role in the international climate landscape, while advancing practical, country-driven solutions to one of SIDS’ most pressing challenges: access to climate finance.
Co-organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the NDC Partnership Support Unit and the Center for Access to Climate Finance as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat through its Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, the regional forum will bring together more than 70 government representatives — including from ministries of finance, environment and energy — and technical experts from international agencies and private sector stakeholders. This regional exchange is supported by the UNFCCC Regional Collaboration Centres (RCCs), the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Climate Analytics and other partners.
The Honourable Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change: "The climate of our planet is a common good. No nation can hijack it. Climate change cannot be addressed in isolation; it is a deeply interconnected crosscutting crisis linked to economic development strategies, production modes, poverty and human rights. Climate diplomacy is therefore meaningless without a fairer world economic and social order."
Michelle Peña Nelz, Head of Project, GIZ: “Small Island Developing States are not starting from scratch — they are bringing forward concrete priorities and investable solutions through their updated NDCs. The challenge now is to turn these plans into implementation pipelines that are bankable, coordinated and resilient in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Regional collaboration helps align strategies, reduce duplication and strengthen collective bargaining power, ensuring that scarce financial resources are used where they have the greatest transformative impact. This forum enables honest peer-to-peer exchange and learning from each other, thereby creating space to move from ambition to execution — together.”
Pablo Vieira, Global Director, NDC Partnership: “Climate action is inseparable from development — and access to finance is decisive. As climate risks intensify and pose an existential threat to Small Island Developing States, NDCs provide a blueprint to safeguard SIDS, while setting clear national priorities. Learning exchange among countries facing similar challenges can be catalytic in accelerating progress. This forum connects SIDS to each other to fast-track solutions and unlock finance to accelerate national climate action.”
The forum will focus on a range of approaches to mobilize finance — from innovative financing mechanisms and private sector engagement to carbon markets — as well as adaptation and sectoral actions, including the blue economy, coastal protection, nature-based solutions, sustainable energy, transport and tourism.
Learn more about "Regional Forum for Practitioners in Small Island Developing States on Advancing NDC Implementation Readiness."
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About GIZ
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH works worldwide for a future worth living. GIZ operates in more than 120 countries, which allows us to respond flexibly to individual situations and requirements. Together with our partners, we create opportunities and sustainably improve people’s lives. Through our strong global networks, we turn international agendas into action – with a global vision and local impact.
About the NDC Partnership
The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 260 members, including more than 140 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development. Mauritius joined the NDC Partnership in 2025.
About the Center for Access to Climate Finance
The Center for Access to Climate Finance, hosted by the NDC Partnership Support Unit, was created in response to demand from members of the Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance for a dedicated body capable of delivering global thought leadership in the field of climate finance access. The Center for Access to Climate Finance generates and streamlines evidence-based knowledge and solutions for climate-vulnerable countries, catalyzing systemic change and enabling low emission and climate resilient development.
For media inquiries:
Caity Pinkard
Press and Outreach Specialist, NDC Partnership Support Unit: [email protected]
Nambinintsoa Lala Rasolomamonjy
Communication Expert, GIZ Office in Antananarivo, [email protected]
Photo by Mantra Connexions