Safeguarding Indigenous Rights in Climate Finance: Insights from the AIPNEE–IRM Webinar

On 4 December  2025, the Asia Indigenous Peoples Network on Extractive Industries and Energy (AIPNEE) and the Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) co-hosted a webinar on how climate finance can better safeguard Indigenous rights. Moderated by Maria T. Dominong (AIPNEE), the session gathered experts to discuss the GCF’s approach to Indigenous Peoples’ rights, accountability, and the practical realities of implementing safeguards.

Peter Carlson, Communications Specialist at the IRM, opened with an explanation of the GCF’s role as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. Created in 2010 by the UNFCCC, the GCF channels resources from developed to developing countries for mitigation and adaptation. He described the GCF’s structure, the way funds flow through its 158 Accredited Entities (AEs), and its extensive presence in Asia, where 112 projects have received $3.81 billion in funding.

He also outlined some of GCF’s core policies—Environmental and Social Safeguards Policyand Gender Policy—which ensure respect for human rights, gender equality, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). These safeguards form the backbone of the Fund’s commitment to responsible and equitable climate action.

Ensuring Transparency: Accessing Information from GCF

Beyond safeguards, transparency is another key pillar of the GCF’s accountability framework. The webinar highlighted the GCF’s Information Disclosure Policy, which allows anyone to request information on projects, policies, or activities through the official online form.

• How to submit a request:

1. Visit: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/disclosure/form
2. Specify the information needed
3. The GCF responds within 30 days with the information or a reason for non-disclosure.

• If your request is denied:

1. You may appeal within 60 days by submitting a letter to the GCF appeals panel.
2. Details: https://www.greenclimate.fund/about/disclosure/appeals

This process supports transparency and accountability and ensures that communities can access information relevant to their rights and interests.

Jennifer Rubis, Indigenous Peoples Specialist at GCF, emphasized the importance of these safeguards and the need for meaningful engagement and transparency throughout the project cycle.

Indigenous Voices and Accountability in Practice

Providing grounded perspectives, Tunga Bhadra Rai of the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Group (IPAG) and Prabindra Shakya, Convenor of AIPNEE, shared experiences of Indigenous communities navigating climate finance processes. They highlighted ongoing challenges in accessing information and participating in decision-making. Both underscored the importance of accountability mechanisms like the IRM to ensure grievances are heard and addressed, and to ensure that projects deliver benefits without causing harm.

As climate finance expands, centering Indigenous rights and voices remains essential for sustainable and impactful climate action. The webinar underscored that strong safeguards, transparency, and Indigenous leadership are critical to ensuring that climate investments uphold justice and strengthen resilience.