Unlocking the Power of Unconditional Cash for Climate

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 actually gets to 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 London Climate Action 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
12:00–12:30 — Arrival, light lunch & networking
12:30–12:45 — Welcome & introductions
12:45–13:00 — Opening keynote from Juan Carlos Jintiach Arcos, Executive Secretary of the Global Alliance of Territorial Communities (GATC)
13:00–13:20 — Practitioner showcases: pilots in Peru, Rwanda & Kenya
13:20–13:55 — Moderated panel: climate finance leaders & IPLC representatives
13:55–14:00 — Close & next steps

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 · Bridging Ventures
Questions? Contact hello@cashforconservation.org
RSVP by 15 June 2026