CDKN Annual Report 2014

The CDKN Annual Report for 2014 has just been published, and is a great source of inspiring initiatives and stories of change. How can Kenya's flower sector gain a competitive edge? What incentivises Bolivian landowners to preserve the forest? Why are countries like Rwanda setting up climate funds? And why are the Marshall islands leading the world's island states in the fight against climate change? CDKN is working in over 70 countries and has over 150 live projects. There is much more, of course, on the website, at www.cdkn.org. My foreword to the Annual Report is below

'CDKN’s vision and approach received strong endorsement this year, with the award of further funding from the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID). This additional funding, along with continued support by the Government of the Netherlands, will enable us to maintain our current programme for two more years and transition to an independent organisation. In forging this longer-term future for CDKN, we hope and intend to involve multiple donors and diverse partners around the world.

As global leaders seek agreement on the post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, CDKN’s work in 74 countries is demonstrating that approaches to combatting climate change can be in genuine synergy with efforts to reduce poverty and contribute to human development. CDKN’s goal is to support ‘climate compatible development’: development that minimises the harm caused by climate impacts, while maximising the many human development opportunities presented by low-emissions, climate resilient approaches.

Climate compatible development means transforming development to respond to the changing patterns of innovation, trade, production and population distribution that climate change may create. However, we have learned in our work that policy-making in this field presents many dilemmas. There may be losers as well as winners. Good evidence, consensus building and leadership are critical. CDKN’s approach is unique.

We are an alliance of private sector, applied research and non-governmental organisations. Crucially, we are able to offer government leaders and other decision-makers a combination of technical assistance, research and knowledge-sharing services that responds to their domestic needs for planning, financing and delivering climate compatible development. We also assist them to become more vocal and influential actors in the international climate negotiations.

In evaluating our impact, we focus on ‘stories of change’: the Annual Report highlights cases where CDKN has helped to make a difference. Sam Bickersteth leads a committed and growing team, firmly rooted in our global hub and three regional offices and in our Alliance organisations. Our thanks to him, and to all his colleagues.

Time is short to make climate compatible development a reality. We very much look forward to building stronger alliances and partnerships in the months ahead.'