LIFE-AR launches fully independent facility
‘Business-unusual’ approach to climate action now has eight years of momentum behind it.
Group picture with representatives of LIFE-AR participating countries and partners at the official launch at COP31. In the picture: Hon Patricia Wiskes (Malawi), Hon Chaudhary (Nepal), Ambassador Soares (LDC Group chair), Tom Mitchell (IIED).
Eight years ago the least developed countries (LDCs) put the world on notice that business as usual was no longer acceptable when it came to tackling the effects of climate change – especially from the perspective of countries that have done so little to cause the crisis.
They were frustrated by an international system offering mostly short-term climate responses with narrow scope and limited impact on strengthening climate resilience, in which finance was hard to access and rarely reached those who need it most.
But at COP31 in Antalya their flagship scheme for reimaging the system, with a ‘business-unusual’ approach, has announced plans to launch as a fully independent entity.
The Least Developed Countries Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE-AR) has helped governments and communities in six first cohort countries to improve their ability to manage resilience-building efforts.
Representatives from LDC 'frontrunner' countries and supporting partners signed the ‘Partnership Compact’ to support the achievement of the LDC 2050 Vision through LIFE-AR during COP25 in Madrid (Photo: Jérémy Davis, IIED)
LIFE-AR’s goal is to radically outperform existing international funding schemes by getting 70% of climate funding to the grassroots level while putting local expertise at the forefront of designing projects.
After announcing their intentions at COP24 in 2018, six LDCs and eight development partners signed on to the LIFE-AR Partnership Compact the following year, with three further development partners and a new cohort of four countries joining since then.
IIED, which also supports the LDCs in COP negotiations, initially hosted LIFE-AR’s secretariat at their request to provide technical, strategic and logistical support. This was always envisioned as a temporary arrangement until the Initiative became a separate entity – which will now happen in April 2027.
Tom Mitchell, executive director of IIED, said: “LIFE-AR’s growth and successes over the last eight years show its model for getting climate finance to where it’s needed is working.
“I’m thrilled that momentum has built sufficiently to allow LIFE-AR to launch as an independent entity. For IIED to have been able to support the LDCs in this drive, while learning from their ‘business-unusual’ approach, has been a real privilege.
“We’ve had to reflect on our ways of working and adapt them to the LDCs’ vision. It’s also meant taking a back seat where appropriate, recognising that ultimately the goal is to shift power to people in the global South by reforming structures that are no longer fit for purpose.
“This radical vision for reforming how funding is delivered can feel challenging for some prospective donors. It requires a shift in mindset, but we encourage global North partners to take the inspiration of LIFE-AR and to rethink their relationships with LDCs by prioritising patient and flexible support, with fewer strings attached.
“The announcement by LIFE-AR at COP31 feels like a signal that things are beginning to change.”
