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__Member Training: A Spotlight on Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean, May 29th, 2024, 9:00am-10:15am EST__

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Details to follow.

Member Training: A Spotlight on Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

Join us for a Spotlight on Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

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__Member Training: A Spotlight on Blended Finance in the Asia-Pacific, March 27th, 2024, 9:00am-10:15am EST__

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Details to follow.

Member Training: A Spotlight on Blended Finance in the Asia-Pacific

Join us for a Spotlight on Blended Finance in the Asia-Pacific

Blended Finance in the Asia-Pacific

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__Member Training: A Spotlight on Blended Finance across the African continent, January 31st, 2024, 9:00am-10:15am EST__

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Details to follow.

Member Training: A Spotlight on Blended Finance across the African Continent

Join us for a Spotlight on Blended Finance across the African continent

Blended Finance across the African Continent

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__Wednesday, January 24th, 2024, from 9:00 am-10:00am SGT__

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We invite you to join us virtually for an information session on the [Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant). The ACS Design Grant awards feasibility study and proof of concept grants for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions that mobilize private capital to sectors critical for climate transition and resilience in developing markets in Asia including nature-based solutions (NbS), clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure.

Register for the webinar to:
- Learn about Convergence’s Design Funding Program and the ACS Design Grant
- Hear from one of our grantees about their experience of designing a blended finance vehicle
- Gain insight into how to apply, grant eligibility, and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions answered, and more

The anchor donors of the ACS Design Grant are the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, Olayan Group, and UBS Optimus Foundation.

The ACS Design Grant is currently open. The deadline to submit concept notes is coming up on __February 12, 2024__. Visit the [ACS Design Grant page](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant) to learn more and apply.


Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant: Info Session (Asia/West Coast)

Join us virtually to gain insight into the application process for the Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant

Learn about the Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant

__Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024, from 9:00 am-10:00am EST__

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We invite you to join us virtually for an information session on the [Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) Design Grant](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant). The ACS Design Grant awards feasibility study and proof of concept grants for the design and launch of innovative blended finance solutions that mobilize private capital to sectors critical for climate transition and resilience in developing markets in Asia including nature-based solutions (NbS), clean energy transition, and sustainable cities and infrastructure.

Register for the webinar to:
- Learn about Convergence’s Design Funding Program and the ACS Design Grant
- Hear from one of our grantees about their experience of designing a blended finance vehicle
- Gain insight into how to apply, grant eligibility, and evaluation criteria
- Get your questions answered, and more

The anchor donors of the ACS Design Grant are the Monetary Authority of Singapore, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia, Olayan Group, and UBS Optimus Foundation.

The ACS Design Grant is currently open. The deadline to submit concept notes is coming up on __February 12, 2024__. Visit the [ACS Design Grant page](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant) to learn more and apply.


Asia Climate Solutions Design Grant: Info Session (Europe/East Coast)

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You're invited on __December 13th at 9:00AM ET__ for an update on Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Convergence’s Historical Deals Database has recorded 171 blended transactions targeting LAC in part or in full, representing aggregate committed financing of $26 billion.

LAC remains a popular area of interest for blended finance practitioners, and blended finance can play a pioneering role, working alongside local governments by deploying catalytic capital into emerging segments and pockets of competitiveness, paving a road for private capital to follow. Join us as we discuss the trends, opportunities, and challenges of blended finance in LAC. The presentation will include a panel discussion with investors in the region.

__AGENDA__ 
9:00-9:05AM – Opening Remarks with Heiner Skaliks, Senior Advisor, LAC 
9:05-9:15AM – Data highlights, Andrew Apampa, Manager & Sneha Thayil, Senior Associate 
9:15-9:45AM – Panel discussion with investors: 
- Diego Penagos, Senior Investment Specialist, ProColombia
- Karla Gallardo, CEO, Viwala
- Ariane Pevide, Blended & Climate Finance Director, MUFG Bank 
9:45-9:55AM – Q&A 
9:55-10:00AM – Closing remarks

__Recommended Reading:__ 
[Blended Finance in LAC](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/blended-finance-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/view) (member-only) 
[Can blended finance help to address Latin America’s development challenges?](https://www.convergence.finance/news-and-events/news/45fkxIORuITCWXb0WznrqZ/view) 
Developing the Solar Market in Uruguay ([English](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/developing-the-solar-market-in-uruguay-case-study/view)) ([Spanish](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/desarrollando-el-mercado-solar-en-uruguay-caso-de-estudio/view))

 Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean

Join us for for an update on Blended Finance in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

Blended finance to mobilize private investment to climate adaptation: Progress to date and bigger potential going forward 

__Dec 4, 2023, 4:00PM-4:45PM GST__ 

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__Background__ 
Developing countries and the international development finance community have identified the need to increase total investment in climate adaptation projects in Low and Middle-Income Countries. Convergence’s [State of Blended Finance 2023 Report](https://www.convergence.finance/resource/state-of-blended-finance-2023/view) estimates the annual blended finance flows (deploying concessional/catalytic public and philanthropic funds to concurrently achieve climate impact and mobilize private investment) for climate mitigation and climate adaptation.

The [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)](https://www.oecd.org/climate-change/finance-usd-100-billion-goal/) reports all public sector development finance mobilizes around $13 billion of private investment annually; with less than 25% estimated for climate adaptation.

__About the panel discussion__ 
The session will focus on identifying existing blended finance activities and future scalable activities to increase climate impact in Emerging Markets & Developing Economies (e.g., Low and Middle-Income Countries) by mobilizing larger amounts of total and private investment to climate mitigation and climate adaptation projects. 

 __Agenda__ 

| Time | Description |
| -- | ---------- |
|4:00PM-4:04PM| Opening Statement by __Ville Tavio__, Finland Minister of Foreign Trade & Development |
| 4:04PM-4:12PM| Session introduction by __Karin Isaksson__, Managing Director, Nordic Development Fund |
| 4:12PM-4:18PM| Presentation on blended finance market/ecosystem for climate by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence 
| 4:18PM-4:33PM| Panel Discussion, moderated by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence, featuring panelists: - __Benjamin E. Diokno,__ Secretary of Finance, Philippines, Chair of the G24 - __Marc-Andre Blanchard__, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Sustainability, CDPQ - __Karin Isaksson__, Managing Director, Nordic Development Fund |
| 4:33PM-4:43PM| Questions and Answers |
| 4:43PM-4:45PM| Nordic Development Fund and Convergence wrap up |

COP28 Panel Discussion: Blended finance to mobilize private investment to climate adaptation: Progress to date and bigger potential going forward 

Join us to learn about blended finance to mobilize private investment to climate adaptation: Progress to date and bigger potential going forward 

Blended finance for private investment to climate adaptation

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__December 3, 2023, 2:10PM - 3:10PM GST__

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The [Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) grant](https://www.convergence.finance/design-funding/open-window/Asia-climate-solutions-design-grant) was launched in Oct 2022 to support the early-stage design, pilot, and launch of innovative catalytic blended finance solutions. The grant will mobilise capital toward high impact target sectors in Asia.

Key awardees of the ACS grant will showcase their solutions in this segment, and experienced panelists will provide feedback on the respective showcases.
Attendees can also participate in the dialogue and share their own feedback to the grant awardees.

__Panelists:__ 
- Joan M. Larrea ,CEO, Convergence
- Audra Low, CEO, CCPL
- Park Kyung Ah, MD ESG Investment, Temasek
- Patti Chu, Head of Impact Investment, Silverstrand

*Pitch participants (to be announced live at the session)*

COP28 Innovation Showcase: Designing blended finance for climate goals

Join us for a showcase of key awardees of the Asia Climate Solutions (ACS) grant

Innovation Showcase: Blended finance for climate goals

Unlocking Climate Blended Finance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region 

__Dec 2, 2023, 2:30-4:00 GST__ 

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__Background__

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces a critical juncture in sustainable development financing, particularly in pivotal sectors such as energy, agriculture, and water and sanitation. Despite the significant financial resources within the region, the utilization of blended finance remains disproportionately low. MENA has seen economic growth but still faces infrastructure deficits, high unemployment, and climate vulnerability. The region held over $3 trillion in sovereign wealth capital as of 2021, presenting vast potential for investment. However, to date, the MENA region has recorded only 76 blended finance deals, amounting to about $14 billion in total financing volume.

__About the panel discussion__ 
The session will explore:
- How to utilize blended finance to mobilize capital for climate finance in MENA
- What regulatory barriers may be inhibiting climate blended finance investments in MENA?
- What are successful examples of innovative climate blended finance structures and instruments deployed to mitigate risks and mobilize private investments in other regions that can shed light on how to best replicate in MENA?
- Given the enormous sovereign wealth capital in MENA, how can we best incentivize and encourage the use of this capital in a more catalytic manner? 

__Agenda__ 

| Time | Description |
| ---------- | ---------- |
|2:30PM-2:35PM | Welcoming Remarks by __Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan__, CEO, UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) |
| 2:35PM-2:40PM | Opening Remarks by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence |
| 2:40PM-3:10PM | Panel Discussion 1. International practices, moderated by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence, and featuring panelists: - __Christian Deseglise__, Group Head of Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation, HSBC - __Dr. Jyotsna Puri__, Associate Vice-President - Strategy and Knowledge Department, IFAD - __Amal-Lee Amin__, Managing Director and Head Climate Change, British International Investment - __Nadia Boumeziout__, Head of Sustainability and Information Governance, Zurich Insurance - __Carrie Walczak__, Senior Advisor of Sustainability Strategy & Policy, FMO 
| 3:10PM-3:40PM | Panel Discussion 2. MENA regional perspectives, moderated by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence, featuring panelists: - __Yariv Cohen__, CEO, Ignite Power - __Dr. Frannie Leautier__, CEO, Southbridge Investments - __Ennis Rimawi__, Managing Director, Catalyst - __Tarek Sherlala__, Assistant Director-General, Financial Operations, OPEC Fund for International Development |
| 3:40PM-3:55PM | Open Consultation, __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence |
| 3:55PM-4:00PM | Closing Remarks & End of Discussion

COP28 Panel Discussion: Unlocking Climate Blended Finance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region 

Join us to learn about unlocking climate blended finance in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region 

Unlocking Climate Blended Finance Middle East North Africa

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__December 1, 2023, 4:00PM - 5:00PM GST__

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__Background__ 
The economies of the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia regions are highly indebted, and climate vulnerable. Traditional climate finance flows are nowhere near the levels they need to be to reach climate targets. While blended finance is a proven tool for channeling private capital to places where it typically doesn’t flow, Convergence finds that climate blended finance flows have been declining; climate blended finance deal volume decreased by 55% in 2022 compared to 2021, and institutional investors are yet to take a strategic approach to blended finance. Blended finance will be an essential tool in reaching regional targets for net zero and supporting the region’s energy transition.

This panel discussion provides a venue to explore the factors behind the trends, to better understand experiences on both the supply (investors) and demand (recipients) side of capital. 

__About the panel discussion__ 
The session will explore:
- How to utilize blended finance to mobilize capital for climate finance - including transition finance - in the Indo-pacific and Southeast Asia
- What are the primary barriers to more consistent and scaled climate finance investment from institutional investors in these regions?
- What are successful examples of innovative climate blended finance structures and instruments deployed to mitigate risks and mobilize private investments in these regions and how can they be scaled or replicated?

__Agenda__ 

| Time | Description |
| ---------- | ---------- |
| 4:00PM-4:05PM | Welcoming Remarks by __Cate Rogers__, Assistant Secretary for Climate Resilience and Finance, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
| 4:05PM-4:10PM | Opening Remarks by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence|
| 4:10PM-4:40PM | Panel Discussion, moderated by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence __Panelists include__: - __Dana Barsky__, Global Head of Sustainability Strategy and Net Zero, Standard Chartered Bank - __Kitty Bu__, Vice President, Asia,Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) - __Lori Kerr__, CEO, FinDev Canada - __Mason Wallick__, Managing Director/CEO, Clime Capital, Southeast Asia Clean Energy Facility (SEACEF) |
| 4:40PM-4:55PM | Open Discussion |
| 4:55PM-5:00PM | Closing Remarks by __Joan Larrea__, CEO, Convergence |

COP28 Panel Discussion: The State of Blended Finance in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia Regions

Join this panel discussion at COP28 to learn about the State of Blended Finance in the Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia regions

State of Blended Finance Indo-Pacific and Southeast Asia

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__Inside the Deal: Plūrālis Fund, November 30th, 2023, 9:00am - 10:00am EST__

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Explore the inner workings of real blended finance transactions through Convergence's "Inside the Deal" webinar series. Each quarter, we delve into a successful deal, inviting the deal sponsor and key stakeholders to share candid insights on structuring these intricate transactions.

Our upcoming webinar features the Plūrālis Fund, a non-partisan investment vehicle dedicated to supporting independent media. By pooling blended capital from socially conscious investors Plūrālis invests in independent media companies, safeguarding their editorial independence to foster vibrant, free societies. The fund also provides capacity building and technical assistance to these companies to strengthen their business models.

During this hour-long session the Plūrālis team will provide an overview of the fund's structure and fundraising journey. Convergence will also conduct in-depth interviews with key stakeholders involved in the transaction uncovering invaluable lessons learned along the way. The webinar will conclude with an open Q&A session.

*This webinar is open to Convergence members only.*

Inside the Deal: Plūrālis Fund

Join us to learn about the Plūrālis Fund

Convergence Happy Hour - Edited

__Connecting the Blended Finance Ecosystem, Wednesday, November 29th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm CAT__

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Join us for an evening of networking and socializing in partnership with RENEW Capital. Chat with Convergence members and partners including impact investors, institutional investors, donors, development banks, and sponsors of blended finance deals.

Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum of two representatives per organization. Contact mira.minkara@convergence.finance if you have any questions.

Blended Finance Networking in Kigali

Join us for Blended Finance Networking in Kigali