21 Jun 2024
The e-MFP WASH Action Group was excited to continue its Climate Change and WASH webinar series on 2nd July.
- Watch the recording -
The e-MFP WASH Action Group is excited to continue its Climate Change and WASH webinar series.
Despite increasing interest in WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) from potential investors partially due to the significant focus on water and WASH at COP 28, mobilising climate finance for the sector remains a tall order. According to the Climate Policy Initiative’s “Global Landscape of Climate Finance 2023,” only USD67 billion of the USD1.27 trillion spent on climate finance annually is allocated to Water & Waste projects (USD31.1 billion for adaptation projects, USD32.5 billion for mitigation projects, and USD3.4 billion from mitigation + adaptation). Meanwhile, the WASH sector truly needs USD116 to USD229 billion annually, according to UN Water. Currently, most financing for adaptation goes towards water treatment and desalination plants, water supply and sanitation projects (USD15 billion), and wastewater treatment (USD7.5 billion). For mitigation, USD16 billion is invested in clean energy in the form of hydropower, USD4.1 billion in transport waterways, and the remaining supports renewables and clean energy projects.
Yet we know that WASH is an incredibly impactful sector, one which can absorb climate finance like no other. With this in mind, we have invited various institutions to discuss how they have mobilised climate finance towards WASH projects, and share their challenges, and successes.
Kenya’s Sidian Bank joined to discuss their latest project, developed in cooperation with Aqua for All. Carlos Aguilar from Azure Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the technical partner of the Azure Initiative, founded by the Catholic Relief Services and Inter-American Development Bank, spoke about their on the ground experience and their outlooks on climate resilient WASH.
The discussion was moderated by Aqua for All’s Owais Shafiq, head of the e-MFP Action Group.
Speakers:
Owais Shafiq, Senior Impact Finance Officer, Aqua for All
Prior to joining Aqua for All, Owais worked for several years in positive impact sectors regarding energy access, public health, sustainable finance, and inclusive business principles with international organisations, such as the OECD, NGOs, social enterprises, and impact advisors. Owais holds a MSc in International Management and Sustainability from Sciences Po, Paris, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Bangalore, India. See LinkedIn profile.
Carlos Aguilar, Azure Director
Carlos is a Mexican national, has a Civil Engineering degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico and a Master of Science from the University of Leeds. He has worked internationally in the water sector for over twenty years. As a member of management teams of companies controlled by Bechtel Enterprises, Suez and Blackstone he has steered the development, finance, construction and operation of municipal and industrial water projects. Throughout his career he has worked extensively on water sector Public Private Partnerships, Prior to joining Catholic Relief Services (CRS) as Azure Director, he held management positions at private sector companies and multilateral organizations active in the development, finance and operation of water sector infrastructure. In his current role Carlos focuses on establishing partnerships at the global, regional and national levels with organizations that share Azure’s mission: Enable small water operators to provide sustainable water services. He is based in the Washington Metropolitan Area. See LinkedIn profile.
John Patrick Kimani Kamau, Senior Manager, Branch Banking & Partnerships – Sidian Bank
John Patrick Kimani Kamau brings over 20 years of banking experience to his current post as Senior Manager of Branch Banking & Partnerships at Sidian Bank Ltd. Mr. Kimani Kamau has developed and managed many successful banking operations and partnerships. His Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a specialization in Marketing from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA), when combined with professional qualifications (membership in the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)) gives him a robust understanding of financial management and strategic planning. Throughout his career, John has held various significant positions at renowned financial institutions such as Equity Bank Ltd, where he worked in various capacities, gaining valuable insights and expertise in the banking industry. He expanded his horizons at Faulu Microfinance Bank and Sidian Bank Ltd, contributing to their growth and operational success. Moreover, John is a dedicated WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Champion, advocating for sustainable and equitable access to water and sanitation services. His commitment to social responsibility is further demonstrated through his role as a Pension Trustee, ensuring the financial security and well-being of employees in retirement. See LinkedIn profile.