As climate impacts intensify across Africa and the Middle East, from heatwaves and droughts to flooding, sea level rise and extreme weather events, the need for climate adaptation is becoming an increasingly important financial and economic priority. With adaptation finance needs estimated at $74 billion¹ – a figure that cannot be met with public finance alone – banks, insurers and investors have an important role in supporting the region’s transition to a more climate-resilient future.  

Yet many financial institutions face a common challenge: how to consistently identify, assess and scale adaptation financing. While sustainable finance taxonomies can help provide clarity and credibility, translating adaptation objectives into practical investment, lending and underwriting decisions remains complex. 

This webinar will introduce UNEP FI’s Adaptation Finance Taxonomy Playbook, a guide accompanied by a practical toolkit designed to help financial institutions navigate these challenges. Tailored for policy, compliance, investment and underwriting teams, the session will explore how taxonomies can be used to identify and classify adaptation activities, highlight emerging market practices, and share real-world examples relevant to the Africa and Middle East region. 

This webinar is delivered through the Climate Adaptation Innovation and Learning project. This project is financed by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by UNIDO, in partnership with Climate KIC, the Global Adaptation and Resilience Investment Working Group, and UNEP FI. We are developing a unique knowledge platform for climate adaptation–a hub to drive innovation and boost private sector engagement.

¹ United Nations Environment Programme (2025). Adaptation Gap Report 2025