The realities of country platforms for LDCs and SIDS: ten key lessons

This briefing paper explores the evolving use of 'country platforms' as nationally led, programmatic financing mechanisms designed to align climate and development finance with local priorities in least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

It presents ten key lessons drawn from early mover experiences and provides actionable recommendations for governments, donors, multilateral development banks, and other stakeholders to make country platforms more effective, inclusive and transformative.

Emphasising locally led adaptation and political ownership, the paper argues for a shift away from fragmented, donor-driven project models to coherent, long-term country-led strategies that prioritise adaptation, institutional capacity and systemic reform.