Baku: The Commonwealth Secretariat and Azerbaijan's COP29 Presidency have announced a call for proposals aimed at providing financial support to the 25 Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) for climate change projects.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, this initiative coincides with the commencement of London Climate Action Week (LCAW) and builds on two joint flagship projects introduced in April 2026. The newly established COP29 Presidency-Commonwealth Fund for Small Island Developing States will offer grants of up to US$ 200,000, with a total fund value of US$5 million over the next five years. The fund is designed to implement projects that enhance climate resilience, promote ocean health, and develop sustainable energy solutions.
The fund's primary goal is to translate Commonwealth national climate plans into actionable projects by bolstering national capacity, refining policy and regulatory frameworks, attracting additional public and private investment, and utilizing partnership platforms created through COP29 Presidency initiatives. It seeks to finance projects that deliver practical and impactful outcomes, particularly benefitting Indigenous and local communities, women, and young people.
Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General (Programs), Amb Tanmaya Lal, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling climate change, stating that the initiative stems from the inaugural Leaders' Summit of Small Island Developing States on Climate Change, introduced by the COP29 Presidency in Baku two years ago. Strategic partnerships are a central theme of the Strategic Plan 2025-2030.
Elshad Isgandarov, representing the COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan, highlighted Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening ties with Small Island Developing States. The success of Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and the first-ever SIDS Leaders' Summit on Climate Change during COP29 in Baku have bolstered trust and cooperation among the nations. The partnership with the Commonwealth Secretariat aims to support country-driven solutions and scale up blended finance through collaboration with climate funds, Multilateral Development Banks, and the private sector.
The fund is anticipated to support one government-endorsed project in each of the 25 Commonwealth SIDS, prioritizing areas such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, restoration, conservation, sustainable use, and a fair energy transition. Proposed projects may also focus on early warning systems, climate risk planning, nature-based solutions, marine protection, sustainable fisheries, and resilient renewable energy infrastructure.