Seminar – The Climate Funding Gap: The Case for an International Green Bank

There is universal recognition of a gap in global funding that goes to the Global South—where it is most needed—for climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Currently, less than 10% of the $1.3 trillion annually reaches these regions.

Dr. John Ure, former Professor at HKU and the University of East London (UK), and author of Climate Change and Carbon Markets (2026), will share his insights on this urgent issue. Among his conclusions are:

  • The catalytic financial model of the UNFCCC is not sufficient; tweaks such as blended finance, risk management insurance, guarantees, and flexible credit ratings may help but remain marginal improvements.
  • The fundamental tension between financial and economic returns cannot be fully resolved in a market economy—the role of the state is unavoidable but still insufficient.
  • Even Article 6 of the Paris Agreement cannot save carbon credit markets from greenwashing without stronger MRV capabilities in EMDEs and enforceable commitments to credit retirements.
  • Climate change, biodiversity, and environmental protection are inextricably linked, and adaptation financing must reflect this.
  • The only feasible answer is the creation of an independent International Green Bank (IGB) with an exclusive focus on:
  • Climate and related environmental projects
  • The Global South – overcoming geopolitical fragmentation to achieve capital at scale
  • Close collaboration with ‘green’ banks and agencies within EMDEs for due diligence
  • Promoting in-country MRV capabilities
  • Fostering stronger local capital markets and lowering the cost of capital in EMDEs

Topic: Bridging the Climate Funding Gap

Speaker: Dr. John Ure, ex-Prof HKU and University of East London (UK), and author of Climate Change and Carbon Markets: Late or Too Late?

Date: 22 April 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm (registration starts at 6:45 pm)

Venue: 21/F BEA Harbour View Centre, 56 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

CPD: 1 Hour

Free registration  https://form.jotform.com/260712399481059 (priority for HKIQEP members)

Register now to join this important discussion: https://form.jotform.com/260712399481059