Innovative climate finance: examples from the UNEP bilateral finance institutions climate change working group

This document presents a comprehensive overview of the innovative climate finance practices developed and implemented by leading bilateral finance institutions—including AFD, EIB, JICA, KfW, and NEFCO—in supporting climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. Drawing from recent data and practical case studies, it illustrates how these institutions—often less recognized than multilateral development banks despite delivering a larger share of public climate finance—play a pivotal role by deploying a diverse mix of financial instruments such as blending facilities, risk-sharing mechanisms, green credit lines, support for carbon markets, and financing for policy development and forest protection. The analysis highlights the effectiveness and efficiency of these instruments in leveraging private capital, accelerating disbursements, reducing financing costs, and fostering local ownership. The document also explores how these tested approaches can inform and strengthen emerging global frameworks such as the Green Climate Fund.