2024 IRM and IIU Capacity Building and Outreach Workshop

To build the capacity of the grievance redress mechanisms and integrity unit of GCF Direct Access Entities, and increase awareness of grievance redress and integrity issues with civil society, the Independent Redress Mechanism and the Independent Integrity Unit co-hosted a capacity building and outreach workshop in Casablanca, Morocco. The joint workshop took place from 15-19 April 2024.

The IRM portion of the workshop focused on building the capacity of DAE representatives who serve as the grievance redress mechanism focal points and increase the awareness of IRM with CSOs. IRM conducted its workshop from 15-17 April. 

The IIU portion focused on strengthening awareness of the GCF Integrity Policy Framework, including specific provisions and obligations under certain policies. The audience was  DAE representatives who serve as the integrity focal points of their organisations, as well as other DAE representatives from the IRM sessions whose work also deals with integrity issues. CSOs received training on raising awareness of integrity and accountability issues in climate finance. IIU conducted its workshop from 18-19 April.

Workshop Objectives   

• Enhance knowledge of integrity principles and guidelines in GCF-funded activities.
• Strengthen the capacity of the representatives from the regional DAEs to implement and uphold integrity standards.
• In coordination with CSOs, collaboratively develop systems for increasing accountability and transparency in climate-financed projects and outline a roadmap for future interactions with IIU.
• Foster interactive learning and knowledge sharing among participants.  

Expected Outcomes 

• Reported stronger understanding of requirements of GCF’s integrity policies, including what constitutes a Prohibited Practice, what is an effective Whistleblower mechanism, and the responsibilities of DAEs to cooperate with IIU in investigations.
• Reported stronger understanding of a DAEs responsibilities in adhering to GCF policies and their obligations under their signed Accreditation Master Agreement.
• Inform IIU’s capacity building strategy and Peer to Peer learning framework A stronger network of integrity professionals that can be leveraged to share best practices and tackle complex challenges.
• A stronger network of regional CSOs that can support each other in developing robust accountability and transparency systems. 

Participating GCF Direct Access Entities

• Agency for Agricultural Development (ADA) of Morocco

• Attijariwafa Bank (AWB)

• Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement (BOAD)

• CDG Capital S.A

• Centre de Suivi Ecologique (CSE)

• La Banque Agricole (LBA)

• Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy S.A. (MASEN)

• National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) of Kenya

• National Fund for Environment and Climate of Benin (FNEC)

• Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS)

• South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)