CIFAR Alliance
Apr 22, 2024
A roundtable discussion on accelerating innovation for climate resilience
On April 22nd, the CIFAR Alliance hosted an insightful open roundtable with leaders, experts, and innovators to explore accelerating innovations for climate resilience. The event featured insights from experts Lilian Tan (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Nelly Ramirez Moncada (CIFAR Alliance), Jesse Fripp (CIFAR Alliance), Ali Schmidt Fellner (Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth), Wendy Chamberlain (Busara) and Graham A N Wright (Microsave Consulting).
Key topics discussed included:
The urgency of driving innovation to build resilience against climate risks for vulnerable communities.
The crucial role of financial inclusion in reducing climate risks for underserved populations.
The importance of elevating affected community voices in climate adaptation strategies and solutions to ensure inclusive and locally relevant approaches.
Insights from the CIFAR Alliance Ecosystem Playbook, a guide fostering collaborative ecosystems for scaling climate resilience innovations.
Highlights from the 2023 CIFAR Alliance Annual Report on accomplishments and future priorities.
A panel of innovative entrepreneurs also showcased their solutions aimed at building climate resilience. The entrepreneurs included Khiusha Uaila (Founder of Xi Bassile), Paulina Zanela (CEO of Thalasso AS), Samuel Efosa-Austin (Founder of The Eco &Tech For Good AFRICA), and Jinal Surti (Co-founder & CEO of Epoch).
Key takeaways:
There is a need for collaborative innovation ecosystems that prioritize community voices, financial inclusion, and scaling equitable climate solutions.
Financial inclusion is a critical enabler, providing underserved populations with the tools and resources to build resilience against climate impacts.
Amplifying the voices and perspectives of those most affected by climate change is essential for developing impactful and enduring solutions that address their specific needs and challenges.
Locally driven, culturally-sensitive approaches rooted in community needs and knowledge are crucial for developing effective and sustainable climate solutions.
Watch the full recording below.