AFD Group at the ChangeNOW Forum

The Forum is strategically positioned this year, following the three COPs and in preparation for the United Nations Forum on Financing for Development. The influence of Public Development Banks (PDBs) will be highlighted, emphasizing their role in mobilizing private investment to finance projects supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).​

The AFD Group, contributing to France's commitment to the SDGs, is participating in ChangeNOW with a dual objective:​

1. Reaffirm its commitment to upholding the Paris Agreement, 10 years after their signing.​
2. Mobilize the private sector and promote public-private partnerships for the achievement of the SDGs.​

AFD Group's Program at ChangeNOW:

• 10:00-11:15: 10 years of the Paris Agreement: from ambition to action

A decade after the landmark Paris Agreement, the world faces a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. Has ambition translated into meaningful action, or are we still falling short of the urgent transformation needed? This session takes a critical look at progress over the past 10 years, examining the latest scientific insights, the role of civil society in driving momentum, and the evolving responsibilities of both the public and private sectors. From policy shifts to corporate commitments and grassroots advocacy, the discussion will explore successes, setbacks, and the bold steps required to bridge the gap between promises and impact. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on what it will take to accelerate climate action in the crucial years ahead.



Keynote address: The science of the decade: where are we now?

A decade after the landmark Paris Agreement, the world faces a pivotal moment in the fight against climate change. Has ambition translated into meaningful action, or are we still falling short of the urgent transformation needed? This session takes a critical look at progress over the past 10 years, examining the latest scientific insights, the role of civil society in driving momentum, and the evolving responsibilities of both the public and private sectors. From policy shifts to corporate commitments and grassroots advocacy, the discussion will explore successes, setbacks, and the bold steps required to bridge the gap between promises and impact. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on what it will take to accelerate climate action in the crucial years ahead.

Johan ROCKSTRÖM, Swedish scientist, and co-director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research

Diana URGE-VORTSATZ, Hungarian scientist, and vice-president of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and professor of environmental sciences at the Central European University





Panel 1: Civil society and public engagement

Civil society has kept climate ambition alive, but is it driving real action? This panel explores how advocacy, youth movements, and creative campaigns are holding leaders accountable and pushing for real implementation.



Nisreen ELSAIM, Sudanese climate activist and negotiator

Boaz PALDI, Creative Director, United Nations Development Programme



Panel 2: The role of business, finance and the public sector

Businesses and financial institutions are stepping up—but is it enough? This discussion examines how companies are moving beyond pledges to action and how public and private finance can accelerate systemic change



Hakan BULGURLU, CEO of Arçelik, Pacific United States

Marie-Hélène LOISON, Deputy CEO, Agence française de développement

Agnès PANNIER-RUNACHER, French Minister for the Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forests, the Sea and Fisheries

Paul POLMAN, Co-founder and President, IMAGINE

Kevin TAYEBALY, Co-founder and Director of Development, Change Now

 

• 24 April 2025 10:00 - 11:15: Accelerating Cooperation Between Public and Private Investors

In a world marked by geopolitical instability, climate challenges, and rising inequalities, public-private collaboration is more essential than ever to finance sustainable and inclusive development. This session will explore why DFIs and PDBs must continue to take risks in fragile and low-income economies, how to ensure private capital follows their lead while valuing impact as a return, and what it takes to effectively finance SMEs in emerging markets. At a time when systemic change is urgently needed, this discussion will highlight concrete solutions to mobilize capital and drive lasting economic and social transformation.

Christine AMOUR LEVAR, Co-founder, Investor for Climate

Françoise LOMBARD, Managing Director, Proparco, AFD Group

Paola RAVACCHIOLI, Senior Advisor, World Bank, European Investment Group

Krisztina TORA, Managing Director, GSG Impact

Panel discussion moderated by Imène MAHARAZI, Senior Advisor, Indefi Sustainable Finance