Transforming climate resilience through collaborative action

I think MAPs really provide an opportunity for different actors from different sectors to come together, including the youth, civil society, private sector, and Government, and we really need more of these types of platforms to create these dialogues and discussions – Environment Ministry Director – Climate Change Leel Randeni

•  SLYCAN Trust presents draft MAP guidelines to key stakeholders in Sri Lanka

Addressing the complex and far-reaching challenges of climate change requires a coordinated approach rooted in collaboration, inclusive policy making, and strong cross-sector partnerships. Marking a key milestone in this effort, SLYCAN Trust hosted a stakeholder gathering on 5 June at NH Collection Colombo as part of the Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) for Climate and Disaster Risk Management and Finance initiative. 

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the draft MAP guidelines, a comprehensive document developed through extensive research, multi-sectoral consultations, and inputs from diverse stakeholders. The guidelines serve as a practical resource aimed at enhancing coordination, aligning strategies, and supporting the creation of effective risk finance and insurance mechanisms. 

The MAP supports national and local efforts to improve climate risk financing and insurance across three key sectors; food systems, tourism, and apparel. Entrepreneurship serves as a cross-cutting thematic area across the sectoral MAPs. The MAP aims to build institutional capacities, inform policy frameworks, improve gender-responsiveness, and drive evidence-based context specific solutions that strengthen adaptive capacity and inclusive risk management. 

Delivering one of the keynote addresses, Environment Ministry Director – Climate Change Leel Randeni underscored the urgent need for innovative financing solutions to support Sri Lanka’s climate goals and address the impacts of loss and damage. He emphasised that achieving the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) requires inclusive, cross-sector collaboration. MAPs play a vital role in this process by creating space for meaningful dialogue and coordinated action among Government, private sector, civil society, and youth stakeholders.

“I would like to thank SLYCAN Trust and all the partners for this initiative. I think MAPs really provide an opportunity for different actors from different sectors to come together, including the youth, civil society, private sector, and Government, and we really need more of these types of platforms to create these dialogues and discussions,” he said.

Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka Director General/CEO Chamindry Saparamadu, who delivered the other keynote address, spotlighted the critical role sustainable finance plays in Sri Lanka’s climate and disaster risk management landscape, and how the MAP guidelines serve as a key tool in guiding and supporting these efforts. 

“I must say, platforms such as the MAP, that brings together stakeholders of the Government, private sector, civil society, academia, and frontline communities for dialogue and knowledge sharing, are extremely important for policy development in these areas in support of our efforts towards establishing finance mechanisms to scale sustainable development in Sri Lanka. I’m very grateful and I commend the efforts of SLYCAN Trust.”

Sharing her thoughts, SLYCAN Trust Acting Country Director Dulanga Witharanage said: “Today marks an important milestone for the MAP. Over the last years, we have worked closely with many stakeholders through consultations, workshops, and collaborative research to shape the MAP guideline, aiming to create a practical and inclusive framework to support decision-making, coordination, and the implementation of effective and innovative solutions on risk finance, insurance, and other tools and instruments.” 

Joining the session virtually, Climate Resilience and Risk Management Program Manager at SLYCAN Trust’s global office in Bonn, Germany Magdalena Mirwald highlighted a few successful global examples of MAPs and shared the emerging trends in climate and disaster risk finance and insurance (CDRFI).

Her insights on parametric insurance particularly sparked interest among the audience, highlighting its importance as an effective risk transfer mechanism to address climate challenges.

The MAP on CDRFI continues to serve as a platform for cooperation, innovation, and capacity-building to create lasting impact for vulnerable communities across Sri Lanka.

The MAP on climate and disaster risk management and finance facilitated by SLYCAN Trust aims to strengthen collaboration, coordination, and information-sharing on CDRFI, as well as enhance interaction between the public sector, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders. Participation in the MAP is open to interested stakeholders committed to advancing CDRFI efforts in Sri Lanka.

Stakeholders from public, private, academic, and key industries at the event