Unlocking the Power of Unconditional Cash for Climate NYCW 2026
Very little climate finance reaches the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) who steward the ecosystems the world must protect. Donors increasingly accept the case for direct, unrestricted finance - but lack a credible operational path to deploy it: how money reaches communities in a way that is transparent, efficient, accountable, and impactful.
This invitation-only working session brings climate finance leaders, donors, implementing organisations, and IPLC representatives into the same room during New York Climate Week 2026. Drawing on live pilot evidence from across the Global South, it makes the practical case for unconditional cash transfers as a tool for climate action - and demonstrates that getting money directly to frontline communities is not only possible, but essential for achieving climate, nature, and poverty outcomes at scale.
This is a working session, not a pitch. Guests leave with a clear, honest view of how direct funding to IPLCs works today and concrete entry points for collaboration.
Format
10:00–10:15 — Arrival, tea/coffee & networking
10:15–10:30 — Welcome & introductory remarks
10:30–10:50 — Opening keynote from Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President, Association for Fulani Women and Indigenous Peoples of Chad (AFPAT)
10:50–11:20 — Practitioner showcases: evidence from pilots in Peru, Rwanda & Kenya
11:20–11:40 — Moderated panel: climate finance leaders & IPLC representatives
11:40–12:00 — Lunch served, questions & discussion from audience
Who should attend
This event is curated for senior funders, government representatives, climate and conservation finance institutions, NGOs, and IPLC representatives with a substantive interest in direct, community-led climate finance. It is particularly relevant if your organisation is working on last-mile capital deployment, fiduciary and safeguarding standards, verification and impact measurement, IPLC governance and consent, or how direct cash transfers fit within existing portfolios (PES, REDD+, blended finance, nature markets).
Hosted by the Cash for Conservation Group Cool Earth · Equal Right · GiveDirectly · 100 WEEKS
Questions? Contact hello@cashforconservation.org
RSVP by 16th September 2026