Climate Classroom at @COP30: The Role of Philanthropies in Climate Action

The Class

This class explores how philanthropy is an alternative and additional source of financing for climate action. Through case studies across mitigation and adaptation, the course outlines the key definitions of what constitutes as philanthropic giving and its linkages with other private sector-led contributions with a sustainable and innovative finance lens. The session highlights the role of government through agenda setting, policy frameworks and incentives to facilitate philanthropic giving.

The Teacher

Cristina Gregorio is a regional climate finance specialist of UNDP’s Climate Finance Network (CFN) at the Bangkok Regional Hub. Her work has focuses on financing transformative climate adaptation and resilience at the national and sub-national governments working with both the public and private sectors. The CFN supports governments mobilize and access climate finance through technical advisory, peer-to-peer learning and provision of knowledge products. At CFN, Cristina has led the formulation of an upcoming Adaptation Finance Strategy Guideline and a Handbook on Philanthropy for Climate Action.

When & Wher

Friday, 14 November 2025 at 10am (CET)

Video conference Zoom

Registration

Additional Learning Resources

  1. Asian Philanthropy Circle: Adaptation & Resilience in Southeast Asia: A Primer for Philanthropy Adaptation & Resilience in Southeast Asia: A Primer for Philanthropy [Full Version] – Asia Philanthropy Circle
  2. Lilly Family School of Philanthropy: The Global Philanthropy Environment Index 2025 Global Philanthropy Environment Index: Global Philanthropy Indices: Indiana University Indianapolis
  3. UNITAR: Scaling Climate Finance Course: Scaling Climate Finance | One UN Climate Change Learning Partnership
  4. UNDP: Unlocking the potential of philanthropy for climate action in Asia and the Pacific Unlocking the potential of philanthropy for climate action in Asia and the Pacific | United Nations Development Programme
  5. UNDP Climate Finance Network: Climate Finance Network | United Nations Development Programme
  6. UNDP Handbook for Climate Action (forthcoming in December 2025; see climate finance network page)