Sri Lanka’s inaugural ‘International Climate Change Forum’concludes successfully

Sri Lanka hosted the inaugural ‘International Climate Change Forum’ (ICCF) on November 2nd and 3rd in Colombo. The ICCF served as a global congregation of experts, policymakers, scientists, and practitioners, brought together to collectively tackle the critical issues linked to climate change. 
With a specific focus on climate change adaptation within the context of food security. This event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Connect To Care, organized for the Presidential Secretariat, and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

The first day of the ICCF concentrated on climate adaptation challenges in the country, along with potential local and global solutions. The second day was dedicated to the development of coordination, project development, and financing mechanisms to address these challenges. 
Furthermore, the research gaps identified during the event will be promoted through the proposed International Climate Change University. The outcomes of this conference will be taken forward at the  28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) scheduled for December 2023 in the UAE.
The ICCF featured seven thought-provoking sessions developed and conducted by key agencies working in climate adaptation. These sessions converged toward a unified approach. The President addressed the forum in the morning of the first day setting out his vision. This vision ties building a green economy with the economic revival. 

Three key outcomes from the ICCF: Sri Lanka needs to adopt a data-first framework so that impacts from climate change and interventions can be monitored and understood, all those working on Climate Adaptation in Sri Lanka need to work much more closely to forge synergies, Sri Lanka needs significant financing through multiple channels to realize the vision of a green and thriving economy.