|  | Dear readers,
As we reflect on the past month, September stands out as an exceptionally dynamic period filled with strategic and insightful exchanges.
We begin this newsletter with a story on the Inception Event for Scaling Multi-Actor Partnerships for Climate and Disaster Risk Management in Sri Lanka. The event underscored the importance of collaborations among various stakeholders. As part of the project, we also addressed risk management, resilience building and creating an enabling environment for the fashion sector. Creating a space for dialogue and cooperation enables multi-stakeholder driven approaches to a sustainable, climate-friendly, resilient, and just transition of Sri Lanka’s fashion industry.
We also had the pleasure of engaging and contributing to the Africa Climate Week through our work programmes related to Loss and Damage, Global Goal on Adaptation and Youth with a special focus on evidence-based policy and action.
Youth engagement remains a priority for SLYCAN Trust, as evident in the Global Thematic Dialogue and the Dinner Dialogue. These events shed light on the vital role of youth in climate action.
Additionally, you will find a story on SLYCAN Trust's work in promoting ethical, sustainable food systems and plant-based food choices.
Gender inclusivity is a consistent theme in these events, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in climate and disaster risk management.
Thank you for your continued support and interest in SLYCAN Trust's initiatives.
Warm regards, Vositha Wijenayake Executive Director, SLYCAN Trust Global
| | | | | | Risk Management | Inception event: Scaling Multi-Actor Partnerships for Climate and Disaster Risk Management in Sri Lanka | On September 19th, SLYCAN Trust hosted the Inception Event for Scaling Up Multi-Actor Partnerships for Climate and Disaster Risk Management, Financing, and Preparedness in Sri Lanka. The session brought together more than 20 entities, including key players from finance, agriculture, tourism, trade, and other essential sectors in Sri Lanka.
The event emphasized the importance of collaborations, partnerships, coordination, and exchange among diverse actors and stakeholder groups. Key areas of discussion during the event included the potential of risk transfer mechanisms for disaster risk reduction, resilience, and adaptation, emphasizing the role in rebuilding industries and livelihoods post-disaster. Participants stressed the importance of understanding climate risks for informed socioeconomic actions, necessitating quality data, data management, new research and the identification of risks in every sector. | | The stakeholders representing the small and medium enterprises (SME) sector highlighted the need to focus on the sector as a priority in the conversations on climate adaptability and capacity building. Under the discussions on the food systems related sector, the participants highlighted research and development as a key aspect for scaling up climate change adaptation action.
Moreover, participants discussed the urgency of converting identified risks into actionable information, integrating climate risks into policies, and emphasized the critical role of partnerships in addressing increasing risks across all levels.
For Sri Lanka, a climate-vulnerable developing nation, effectively managing climate and disaster risks, and mobilizing risk finance is imperative. The new phase of our project on multi-actor partnership for climate and disaster risk financing and preparedness in the context of the InsuResilience Global Partnership will focus on CDRFI solutions in the tourism, fashion and garment, and small and medium enterprises sectors, as well as on cross-cutting considerations such as youth and gender. More about the project can be found HERE. |  | Event on Multi-actor Partnership on Climate and Disaster Risk Management and Finance in the Fashion Sector |  | On September 19th, SLYCAN Trust hosted the session on Multi-actor Partnership on Climate and Disaster Risk Management and Finance in the Fashion Sector. As the need to address climate change becomes more urgent, the fashion industry is raising its collective ambition to become more ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly.
Creating a space for dialogue and cooperation between different actors enables multi-stakeholder driven approaches to a sustainable, climate-friendly, resilient, and just transition of Sri Lanka’s fashion industry. The multi-actor partnership on climate and disaster risk management and finance in the fashion sector initiated by SLYCAN Trust focused on addressing climate risk through inclusive and participatory processes, including policy processes at local, national, and international levels. |  | Vositha Wijenayake, Executive Director of SLYCAN Trust |
|  | Dennis Mombauer, Director of Research & Knowledge Management at SLYCAN Trust |
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| In the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of partnerships between public and private institutions for sharing knowledge and evidence. They identified this collaboration as crucial for scaling up research within the sector and facilitating technology transfer, ultimately contributing to the overall resilience and prosperity of the industry. Additionally, there was recognition of the importance of developing entrepreneurship skills to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
More about the project: HERE |  | Africa Climate Week | Session on Addressing Loss and Damage through Evidence-Based Policy and Action in Nairobi | On 7th September, during the Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya, SLYCAN Trust hosted an official side event on climate-induced loss and damage in partnership with the Government of Ghana and Government of Uganda. The session highlighted findings and perspectives from country case studies on loss and damage, human mobility, and cultural loss, which were presented by Mr. Joseph Epitu (Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda) and Ms. Esther Mireku (Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana).
As outlined by the moderator, Mr. Dennis Mombauer (SLYCAN Trust), these case studies are developed in partnership between SLYCAN Trust and the respective governments, and aim to generate relevant evidence on climate impacts and potential solutions to feed into national policy processes and the UNFCCC negotiations, including through knowledge products and a photography exhibition.
The event saw active participation from a diverse range of country representatives and other stakeholders, including youth, and a discussion on key topics for addressing loss and damage, including data and climate information, early warning systems, health, urban flooding, the policy environment, and implementation mechanisms. |  | Dinner Dialogue on African Perspectives on the Global Goal on Adaptation |  | SLYCAN Trust organised a dinner dialogue on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) during the Africa Climate Summit and Africa Climate Week. The event took place on September 5th at Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, with the participation of African country representatives and other key stakeholders.
It provided a space for comprehensive discussion on the complexities and challenges surrounding the GGA as seen from African viewpoints, and collected insights from participants which underscored the urgency of the issue as well as the need for a clear framework, targets, and robust financing to drive adaptation action. | Dinner Dialogue on Youth Empowerment and Climate Action in Africa |  | | On September 6th, a special dinner dialogue convened to unite party representatives, youth, youth-led organizations, and key stakeholders from across Africa. They shared insights on youth engagement in climate policy, including NDCs, NAPs, national policies, regional processes, and UNFCCC's ACE initiative. Topics also included youth's role in addressing climate-induced loss and damage, human mobility, resilience-building, and climate-friendly entrepreneurship.
The dialogue provided valuable insights into climate change and the role of youth in mitigating it. Ms. Fleur Newman and Ms. Ariesta Ningrum of UNFCCC discussed youth engagement and technological innovation. Esther Mireku from the Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana, noted how climate change impacts youth migration due to rising River Volta levels. Edwin Koga of the Amazon Theatrix Ensemble shared Kisumu youth's perspectives on climate change awareness. The dialogue highlighted the active involvement of individuals in addressing climate change and its impact on youth engagement in mitigation efforts. |  | Ms. Ariesta Ningrum, UNFCCC | Global Goal on Adaptation | International Dialogue on the Global Goal on Adaptation | SLYCAN Trust hosted a hybrid International Dialogue on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) from September 12th to 14th 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Dialogue opened with a session held under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka which highlighted the vital importance of adaptation in a changing climate.
Representatives from Parties and negotiation blocs under the UNFCCC process participated in the 3-day event, designed to support the progress of the Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh work programme on the GGA. Participants and international functionaries in Sri Lanka were welcomed to an evening reception organized in partnership between SLYCAN Trust and the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka. Participants worked to identify areas of possible convergence across Parties, sharing their visions for different elements of the framework and considering the targets by which global progress on adaptation might best be motivated and monitored. They considered the roadmap beyond COP28 and the close of the GlaSS, the role of Means of Implementation within the framework and how best to embed ambition. Parties welcomed the additional space to discuss the framework and features of the GGA in a workshop setting. |  | Webinar on the Global Goal on Adaptation | SLYCAN Trust hosted a webinar on the Global Goal on Adaptation ahead of the 8th and final workshop under the UNFCCC Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh work programme on September 22nd. Parties were eager to maintain the momentum generated in recent GlaSS workshops, and to set clear expectations on outcomes of COP28. The balance of process and outcome-based targets was discussed, and mechanisms for usefully connecting the GGA framework with the Global Stocktake (GST) in both methodology and timeframe. The 8th and final UNFCCC workshop under the GlaSS took place in Botswana on the 27th-29th September. Parties will meet again at COP28 in Dubai. | Heat Stress Management | Training for Trainers Programme on Heat Stress Management in Colombo City | On September 27th, SLYCAN Trust organized a Training for Trainers Program on Heat Stress Management in Colombo City. This event is part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing the challenges posed by heat waves and heat stress in Sri Lanka. SLYCAN Trust is actively involved in capacity-building efforts to integrate heat stress management into climate policies and develop guidelines for gender-sensitive heat adaptation planning.
The primary objectives of this project include utilizing scientific evidence and best practices to tackle heat stress at various administrative levels in Colombo and the Western Region Megapolis. Specifically, the project seeks to identify heat hotspots, disseminate knowledge about heat stress, build the capacity of key institutional stakeholders for policy integration, and enhance awareness of the heat-related impacts of climate change. |  | For the Training for Trainers session, SLYCAN Trust collaborated with the Colombo Municipal Council, engaging participants from the Colombo Municipal Council Public Health Department. The aim was to equip these participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to systematically address heat stress in their respective administrative areas.
This project is part of a larger regional effort supported by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), covering India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. SLYCAN Trust is a collaborator responsible for implementing activities in Sri Lanka, contributing to the overall goals of the regional project. | Youth | | On the 16th of September, SLYCAN Trust Youth, in collaboration with the Global Youth Forum, organized the second Global Thematic Dialogue on Risk Management & Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage. The goal was to engage youth from various regions, fostering inclusivity through offering two distinct time slots.
The primary themes explored during the event revolved around Climate Risk Management and Addressing Climate-Induced Loss and Damage. Two pivotal topics included Enhancing Climate Resilience: Integrating Policy Reforms and Innovative Financing and Building Partnerships Together: Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships and Youth Engagement in Innovative Climate Risk Management. | | Discussions revealed the importance of integrating policy reforms and innovative financing to address climate change effectively. Key points stressed climate-informed policies, cross-ministry integration, flexibility, and clear financing options. This approach ensures resources for climate policies while promoting equity. Financing options included domestic revenue, international aid, private sector investments, and innovative solutions like debt-for-climate swaps and risk insurance, aiming to overcome financial barriers in climate projects.
The event emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships in innovative climate risk management, involving government, NGOs, academia, and businesses. Youth's role in these partnerships, with their unique perspectives and digital skills, was highlighted. Innovative tools like predictive analytics and early warning systems were seen as crucial for climate preparedness. Despite acknowledging youth challenges, the event advocated mentorship, capacity building, and advocacy to support their engagement in climate initiatives. | Ethical, Sustainable & Climate-friendly Entrepreneurship | Onboarding New Food Systems Cohort Members | The EthicalX Food Systems Cell comprises talented and well-rounded entrepreneurs with a common interest in enhancing their capacities, expanding their network, and promoting sustainable and ethical food systems through their enterprises. The onboarding session was conducted on the 13th of September, 2023.
EthicalX's Climate and Innovation Hub partnered with a cinematographer to create branding and marketing content for new cohort members. This content includes brand introductions, social media stories, blog posts, and highlights the eco-conscious values of these brands.
On September 13th and 14th, a content creation session led by a cinematographer aimed to visually tell the stories of these ethical and sustainable brands. Seven new cohort members participated, generating photos and videos that will help convey their brand's mission and values to a wider audience, promoting their ethical values authentically. |
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|  | Sabira Deen, PowerCrunch Granola - a plant-based food entrepreneur focused on snacks and plant-based cheese |
|  | Sahan Bakmiwewa, Plant-Based Studios - a plant-based food entrepreneur offering dairy-free milk and cheese, meat alternatives, and beverage |
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| Food Systems | Raising awareness on plant-based food consumption |  | SLYCAN Trust collaborated with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to contribute to a beach clean-up and waste management activities on September 22. The beach clean-up served to highlight a collective commitment to preserving coastal ecosystems as well as to create awareness on the advantages of plant-based food consumption.
Participants learned about the environmental benefits of adopting a plant-based diet, including reduced carbon footprint and resource conservation. SLYCAN Trust shared information on the connection between dietary choices and environmental sustainability. This unique combination of coastal conservation and plant-based awareness aimed to inspire participants to make eco-friendly choices for a healthier planet. | Gender |  | An inception event for a multi-actor partnership focused on climate and disaster risk management and finance in Sri Lanka occurred on September 19th. It engaged various sectors and prominently featured women's participation among government agencies, finance, insurance, and entrepreneurship, highlighting inclusivity.
A subsequent event on climate and disaster risk management in the fashion sector took place on September 21st, emphasizing the participation of women entrepreneurs and stakeholders from different segments of the fashion industry.
A separate global thematic dialogue on climate risk management and loss and damage, held on September 16th, had a strong representation of women among the speakers and moderators. This dialogue aimed to engage youth, foster partnerships, and explore innovative approaches to address climate-induced challenges.
In all these events, women played a significant role, underlining the commitment to comprehensive, inclusive, and participatory risk management and finance strategies in Sri Lanka's climate and disaster efforts. | In the Media |  | Transforming resilience in climate and disaster risk management Sunday Observer, 1 October, 2023 |  | SLYCAN Trust Initiates Second Phase of Multi-Actor Partnerships for Climate and Disaster Risk Management in the Fashion Sector. Daily Mirror, 7 October, 2023 | | | |
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