Save the Children Australia has been announced as the first non-environmental NGO to be accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) at a meeting in South Korea.
The accreditation, more than 2 years in the making, will allow Save the Children Australia to partner with countries hardest hit by climate change and apply for funding from the USD$10 billion fund.
Save the Children will work with national governments and local communities most severely impacted, but not able to access the GCF independently, to design and deliver programs which respond to the challenges of a changing climate.
CEO, Paul Ronalds said the world-first accreditation reflected Save the Children Australia's leading role in climate change programming for the global movement.
"Save the Children has been preparing for and responding to severe and deadly disasters around the world for 100 years," said Mr Ronalds.
"We are acutely aware that climate change will not only exacerbate these hazards, but it will also intensify conflict, displacement and migration. Children will, without a shadow of a doubt, be among the most vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change.
"Save the Children is therefore uniquely placed and motivated to support the efforts of developing countries to anticipate, respond and adapt to climate change impacts."
Given grave implications of climate change in our region, Save the Children is urging the Australian Government to restart contributions to the Green Climate Fund.
"The impact of climate change is already being felt across our region," said Mr Ronalds.
"Save the Children is urging the Australian Government to re-engage and restart our contribution to the Green Climate Fund."
For a number of years, Save the Children Australia has lead climate change programming for the global Save the Children movement.
Save the Children will leverage its significant global network of specialist technical advisers working in climate change, disaster risk reduction, health, water and sanitation, livelihoods, agriculture and food security to develop and deliver programs.
Accreditation will allow Save the Children Australia to apply for funding of up to USD$50 million per project in partnership with governments, communities, the private sector and other NGOs.
The Green Climate Fund has already invested USD$5.5 billion in 123 projects around the world, enhancing the resilience of some 325 million people.
