Lessons from the Maldives on Project Design and Resource Liberation

In July, the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub (CCFAH) organised a two-day workshop on project design and resource mobilisation in Male, Maldives.

The training brought together 22 key stakeholders, including government officials, private sector representatives, civil society representatives and non-governmental organisations, to discuss pressing challenges related to climate change adaptation and to explore how to increase capacity to develop climate project proposals.

The workshop had a clear objective: to share skills and knowledge necessary for effective resource mobilization for climate change adaptation projects. Participants delved into critical areas such as climate risk assessments, resource mobilization strategies, project design principles, and economic and financial analysis. The sessions were not only informative but also highly interactive, encouraging participants to share their experiences and insights.

One key point was the emphasis on integrating gender and youth issues into the project. This approach ensures that climate projects are inclusive and equitable, respond to the needs of all community members and foster broader societal benefits.

Fathimath Liusha Nasheed, Senior Political Director at the Ministry of Social and Family Development, said:

“Mainstreaming gender into all sectors, including climate action, is a key priority for us and I believe there is significant potential for progress in the Maldives. I appreciate that your session highlighted this key issue and emphasised that gender mainstreaming is a collective responsibility.”

Uzoamaka Nwamarah, Climate Change Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariatadded:

“The responsibility of mainstreaming gender and youth is a shared journey, not limited to one ministry, but a collective effort that requires commitment and action from all sectors of society.”

The island nation has made great progress in its own work on climate adaptation. The Secretariat’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) programme has played a key role in supporting member countries, including the Maldives, in their climate actions, including identifying viable projects, preparing investment-ready proposals and engaging potential financiers. This pipeline approach ensures that projects are not only well-designed but also financially sustainable and impactful.

Through a co-financing approach between the Commonwealth Secretariat and the NDC Partnership, the Maldives has been supported to develop a Climate Change Adaptation Investment Plan. CCFAH is providing further technical assistance to strengthen the country’s capacity to develop compelling climate finance applications and conduct feasibility assessments, paving the way for successful project implementation and bridging the climate finance gap in the country.

Thibyan Ibrahim, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Republic of Maldives, said:

“Project design is an important area for capacity building among Maldivian stakeholders, especially in the face of growing domestic needs, given the growing climate impacts. The resources and sessions of the workshop will help Maldivian stakeholders better understand the dynamics and nuances of climate projects.”

The workshops were also strategically planned to align with the NDC revision cycle, giving participants the opportunity to incorporate new learnings into ongoing NDC updates. This alignment ensures that the knowledge and skills gained during the workshops will have an immediate and direct impact on strengthening the Maldives’ climate action plans.

At the end of the workshop, there was a palpable sense of optimism and determination. Participants reported that they were now equipped with new skills and knowledge and felt ready to face the challenges of adapting to climate change. The Secretariat remains a steadfast partner committed to supporting the Maldives and other Member States in building a sustainable and resilient future.