The Global Adaptation Center (GCA) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at mainstreaming climate adaptation and resilience in infrastructure projects across Asia and Africa.
The partnership focuses on integrating climate risk assessments and resilience-building strategies into AIIB’s infrastructure projects. We will leverage the strengths of both organizations to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and ensure that the communities most vulnerable to climate impacts are better protected and prepared.
AIIB and GCA will collaborate on high-impact projects, including providing technical assistance and exploring co-financing options in areas such as urban development, transport, energy, water and digital infrastructure. The agreement also emphasizes knowledge sharing, capacity building and joint participation in key regional and global climate forums.
“Climate change is intensifying at a scale and pace that threatens the resilience of communities around the world, costing developing countries up to $143 billion annually in infrastructure damage alone,” said Professor Patrick Verkoien, CEO of the Global Adaptation Center. “Our partnership with the AIIB represents a major step forward in addressing these risks. We are not just building infrastructure, we are building climate-resilient infrastructure that protects essential services for millions of people in Asia and Africa. We are building resilience at the core of these projects. The Global Adaptation Center is committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to build infrastructure that is as resilient as our communities, ensuring a sustainable and secure future for all. ”
“Our partnership with the Global Center for Adaptation marks a major step forward in our efforts to mainstream climate adaptation within AIIB’s investment framework,” said Hoon Kim, acting vice president of AIIB’s Investment Solutions Department. “By combining AIIB’s investment capabilities and GCA’s climate resilience expertise, we are fostering an ecosystem where sustainable and climate resilient infrastructure is not only prioritized but enabled. We look forward to advancing our shared mission to protect communities and drive sustainable growth in regions most affected by climate change.”
This partnership reflects AIIB and GCA’s shared commitment to supporting vulnerable populations by strengthening infrastructure projects against climate risks. As both organizations continue to address the urgent need for climate resilience, this collaboration will help build infrastructure solutions that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient for future generations.
About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is to finance infrastructure for the future of Asia and beyond – infrastructure that has sustainability at its core. The company started operations in Beijing in 2016 and has since grown to 110 authorized members worldwide. The company has a capital of $100 billion and is rated AAA by major international credit rating agencies. AIIB works with its partners to meet the needs of its customers by unlocking new capital and investing in infrastructure that is green, technology-enabled, and fosters regional connectivity.
About the Global Adaptation Center
The Global Adaptation Center (GCA) is an international organization promoting adaptation to the impacts of climate change. We work towards climate-resilient development by driving policy reforms and influencing investment by international financial institutions and the private sector. The goal is to bring climate adaptation to the forefront of the global fight against climate change and ensure that it remains prominent.
Founded in 2018, GCA embodies innovation not only in its physical presence but also in its approach to climate adaptation. It operates from the world’s largest floating office in Rotterdam, Netherlands. GCA has a worldwide network of regional offices in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Dhaka, Bangladesh. and Beijing, China. The center plans to open a new office in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2025.
