International Climate Change Forum, 2nd & 3rd November Colombo.

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International Climate
Change Forum 2023

A Look in the Past to Shape a Better Future Monetary and Academic Flow Against Climate Change A United Front Against Climate Change Finding a New Path to Climate Finance

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Welcome to the International Climate Change Forum 2023

We are excited to present the International Climate Change Forum 2023, a pivotal gathering in the global battle against climate change. The first of many, the ICCF will be hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, in partnership with esteemed organizations including Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, FAO, World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and with SkyQuest Technology Consulting Pvt Ltd as the knowledge partner. The 2-day summit, set against the backdrop of the stunning city of Colombo, Sri Lanka, from November 2nd to 3rd, 2023, aims to reshape the discourse on climate resilience, bringing together international leaders, experts, and stakeholders to drive impactful change. 

Message from

The President of Sri Lanka

The effects of climate change are adversely affecting economies worldwide, and it is time for us to unite and rethink the system to build the pathway for a more climate resilient future.

I welcome you to work with the government of Sri Lanka, partnered with World Bank, USAID, International Finance Corporation, UNDP, FAO, Green Growth Institute, World Agroforestry Centre, International Water Management Institute, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Connect to care, SkyQuest and more, at the ICCF 2023 to build a united front against climate change. Let us strive to build connections and discover innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions by exploring climate-smart agricultural practices, developing climate-smart technology, and identify and execute necessary steps towards climate action.

Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe,
President of Sri Lanka 

An Agenda for Progress

The agenda of the ICCF 2023 is meticulously designed to encompass a broad spectrum of topics. These discussions, ranging from the pivotal role of the private sector to the forging of partnerships for scaled responses, hold the promise of igniting the convergence of knowledge, resources, and efforts toward a common objective: a sustainable and resilient future.

As we embark on this collaborative and innovative journey, we extend a cordial invitation to join us in Colombo for a landmark event that has the potential to steer transformative change in the face of climate challenges. 

Countdown to ICCF

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Our Speakers

Secretary

Dr. Anil Jasinghe
Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance

Dr. Ananda Mallawantantry
Deputy Director, Agriculture - Asia

Purvi Mehta
Secretary

Dr. Anil Jasinghe

29 years of hands on experience in Health Administration, culminating in the position of of DGHS Sri Lanka, the topmost technical position in the Ministry of Health. This provided me with the opportunity to navigate the health services (promotive, preventive, curative and rehabilitative) in the best interests of the people of Sri Lanka

In my capacity as Cabinet Secretory to the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka, I was involved in the following national scale initiatives: effected major amendments to the National Environment Act, formulated a new Environment Policy of Sri Lanka and the National Environment Action Plan 2022-2030, led sustainable Nitrogen Management Resolution at UNEA 5 in Nairobi in 2022, which was endorsed by the member states at the Assembly

Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka Environment, Climate Change and Green Finance

Dr. Ananda Mallawantantry

More than 23 years of international development experience (USAID, UN/DP and IUCN); More than 40 years of work experience in the Governments of Sri Lanka and United States, United Nations, Private Sector, Industry, Research and University Teaching; Demonstrated leadership in co-ordination of multi-sector and multi-stakeholder programmes; Exposure to range of subjects but not limited to air, water, soils, waste, industry, disaster management, biodiversity, forestry, coastal and marine, climate change, land degradation; Project cycle experience covering conceptualization, development, resource mobilization, partnership development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; Successful projects at international, national level and community levels; Successful resource mobilizations through International, Government, Private and Foundations; In-depth understanding of the expectations of Governments, Donors, Private Sector, NGO, Media, Academics and Communities; Extensive user of Information and Communication Technologies and spatial data in work; Collaborative projects experience with Govt. of Sri Lanka, UNDP, UNICEF, FAO, WFP, ILO, UNOCHA, UNISDR, UNDESA, UNEP, Australia, France, Sweden, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, EU and ADB. Experience in design and working with Green Climate Fund (GCF) and Global Environment Facility (GEF) Projects. Serving in advisory positions in private sector on sustainability and resilience.

Deputy Director, Agriculture - Asia

Purvi Mehta

Purvi Mehta leads the program’s agricultural development work in Asia. She joined the foundation in 2014 after working for six years at CGIAR, where she was head of Asia initiatives for the International Livestock Research Institute and head of the South Asia Biosafety Program for the International Food Policy Research Institute.

Purvi serves on the board of several organizations, including the International Alliance for Ecology, Health Canada, the International Center for Rural Agriculture, and India’s National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Ltd. She is also a member of the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors.

Purvi is an honorary professor at Amity University in India and is a visiting scientist at Cornell University. She has also been closely involved with several agriculture and nutrition policy platforms in India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. She was the 2014 recipient of the India magazine Agriculture Today award for her contributions to agriculture policies in South Asia. She has authored two books and more than 50 publications.

Purvi holds a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University and degrees from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and Tokyo University.

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Strength in Unity: Recognizing Our Partners

Thought Partner
Knowledge Partner
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Themes of ICCF 2023

The International Climate Change Forum 2023 will explore four overarching themes,
each integral to the global effort to combat climate change:

A Look in the Past to Shape a Better Future

Delve into ongoing initiatives across various international entities and glean valuable lessons from the global economy. Understand the successes and challenges that have shaped climate action worldwide, providing valuable insights for future endeavors.

Monetary and Academic Flow Against Climate Change

Examine the critical importance of capacity building, particularly in the context of climate-smart technologies. Explore cutting-edge solutions contextualized to the unique needs and challenges of Sri Lanka for fostering a sustainable future.

A United Front Against Climate Change

Explore the ways and means for convergence among diverse stakeholders. Uncover strategies for harmonizing efforts, knowledge, and resources towards a unified and effective approach to climate resilience.

Finding a New Path to Climate Finance

Investigate the wide spectrum of climate financing opportunities, including carbon markets and blended finance instruments. Discover innovative pathways to mobilize financial resources for climate initiatives, driving tangible progress in sustainability. These themes encapsulate the multifaceted nature of climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts. Through insightful discussions and collaborative exchanges, the 2-day forum aims to advance understanding and action in these critical areas, driving the world closer to a healthier future.

International Climate University

As a cornerstone of our efforts, we aim to establish the International Climate University, a pioneering institution dedicated to climate education, research, and capacity-building. This university will serve as a global hub for knowledge exchange and collaboration, providing a wide range of educational programs, research opportunities, and resources related to climate adaptation, mitigation, and sustainability.We hope to accomplish the following goals with the proposed International Climate University:
The International Climate University will offer academic programs, focusing on climate science, climate policy, sustainable development, and related fields. These programs will empower future leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to address climate challenges effectively.
The university will foster cutting-edge research on climate-related topics, bringing together experts from various disciplines to develop innovative solutions for a changing world.
Through the International Climate University, we will actively engage with international partners, institutions, and experts, promoting global collaboration in the fight against climate change.
Our university will extend its reach to local communities, supporting awareness campaigns, sustainability initiatives, and capacity-building programs at the grassroots level.
The establishment of the International Climate University represents a significant commitment to advancing climate action on a global scale, ensuring that knowledge and expertise are shared across borders, and empowering individuals and organizations to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
International Climate Change Forum 2023

Key Objectives

  • Showcasing Diverse Climate Initiatives:

    Our forum aims to spotlight and celebrate the various initiatives undertaken by organizations and entities operating in the climate change space, both within Sri Lanka and on a global scale. We will provide a stage for these initiatives to shine, demonstrating the wide-ranging efforts to combat climate change.

  • National-Level Convergence:

    The forum underscores the necessity for national-level convergence towards adopting new knowledge and techniques. We will explore strategies to promote carbon markets, climate-smart agriculture, vulnerable community engagement, climate-friendly technology, and inclusive climate finance as essential components of a comprehensive climate action plan.

  • Baseline Data and Digital Tracking:

    We seek to establish a baseline data set and a digital management effectiveness tracking system for current and future climate adaptation initiatives, with the goal of facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring the success of climate endeavors on a national and global scale.

  • Implementable Climate Projects:

    During the forum, we will identify and select 2-3 implementable projects focused on addressing climate adaptation in line with the Climate Prosperity agenda. These projects will serve as practical examples of how innovation and collaboration can drive positive change in climate resilience.

  • Capacity-Building for Climate Adaptation:

    As a core component of the forum, we will develop a comprehensive capacity-building program for climate adaptation, with a special focus on food security. This program will be designed to harness local and international inputs and will be promoted through the proposed International Climate University, ensuring that knowledge and skills are shared and enhanced across borders.

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