CCFLA Central Asia Local Hub Forum: Advancing Project Preparation and Climate Finance for Cities

The Cities Climate Finance Leadership Alliance (CCFLA) Central Asia Local Hub Forum, held from 18 to 19 February 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, convened cities, technical experts, and development partners to strengthen collaboration on sustainable urban development, energy efficiency, and access to climate finance in the region.

As an active contributor, the GCoM–Gap Fund Partnership supported multiple sessions focused on equipping cities with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare strong, bankable climate projects—an essential first step in accessing finance for low-carbon and climate-resilient development. The sessions provided practical guidance on building decarbonization, project preparation, and identifying technical assistance and co-financing opportunities. Carolina Mesa, Technical Advisor for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, led the in-person workshop, while Helena Monteiro, Engagement Lead for the region, contributed remotely by facilitating a session on partnerships.

Through this engagement, the GCoM–Gap Fund Partnership team worked with participating cities to review and refine their Expressions of Interest (EOIs), share best practices, and strengthen their capacity to develop early-stage project concepts. The forum also helped deepen collaboration within the Central Asia Local Hub Network, reinforcing peer learning and shared action across cities, as well as leveraging the expertise of the different partners present in Tashkent. 

The GCoM–Gap Fund Partnership continues to work closely with key partners such as CCFLA, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Regional Covenant, helping cities overcome early-stage barriers to climate finance. These efforts are critical to enabling local governments in Central Asia to move from ambition to implementation and accelerate the transformation of the region’s urban infrastructure.