Strengthening Malawi’s Climate Resilience through the Global Shield Initiative

In Lilongwe, the Civil Society Network on Climate Change (CISONECC) (PACJA’s DNP in Malawi) took part in the Global Shield Against Climate Risks National Workshop—a critical step in shaping Malawi’s approach to climate and disaster risk financing. The workshop, convened on the 29^th of April 2025, was part of the in-country process for the Global Shield Against Climate Risks, a joint initiative of the G7 and the Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group aimed at enhancing financial protection and resilience in countries most exposed to climate impacts.

During the engagement, Delia Kaiser from the Global Shield Secretariat emphasized the initiative’s commitment to scaling up pre-arranged and trigger-based financing mechanisms. These are designed not only to enable faster response in the wake of disasters but also to integrate with existing climate adaptation and social protection systems. According to Kaiser, the two-day workshop provided a platform to review findings from national consultations, identify gaps, and support the development of Malawi’s tailored proposal under the initiative.

Ambassador Kate Brady of the Embassy of Ireland echoed the urgency of action, pointing to the back-to-back climate-related disasters that Malawi has faced in recent years. She underscored the global momentum toward creating innovative financing tools for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. “There is growing consensus that the international community must prioritize accessible climate finance for developing countries,” she noted.

From the government’s perspective, Patrick Zimpita, Principal Secretary for Economic Planning and Development in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, reflected on the compounding effects of El Niño and other extreme weather events. He welcomed the Global Shield as a strategic addition to Malawi’s efforts to bolster financial resilience, particularly through its flexible, needs-based financing options—including anticipatory funds, rapid post-disaster payouts, and investments in risk analytics.

CISONECC’s National Coordinator, Julius Ng’oma, highlighted the critical role of inclusive stakeholder participation in policy development. He emphasized that effective climate and disaster risk finance strategies must be rooted in local realities and designed in consultation with the communities they intend to serve. “When communities are part of the process, outcomes are not only more sustainable but also more impactful,” he said.

The workshop brought together a wide array of actors—from government and civil society to private sector representatives—highlighting the collaborative effort required to advance climate resilience in Malawi. Through this initiative, Malawi is laying the groundwork for more responsive and equitable financial systems that can better absorb and adapt to future shocks.