
CONCEPT NOTE
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON INTEGRATING CLIMATE CHANGE INTO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND BUDGETING.
BACKGROUND
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is a present reality that significantly impacts economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, shifting rainfall patterns, and sea-level rise are already disrupting key sectors such as agriculture, energy, infrastructure, water resources, and public health. If not effectively addressed, these climate-related risks could undermine development gains and increase economic vulnerabilities, especially in climate-sensitive regions.
To build climate-resilient economies and societies, governments must integrate climate change considerations into national development planning and budgeting processes. This involves mainstreaming climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into policy frameworks, national budgets, investment decisions, and governance structures. However, many countries face challenges in achieving this integration due to limited institutional capacity, lack of technical expertise, fragmented policy approaches, and difficulties in accessing climate finance.
The Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute has designed this training course to equip policymakers, planners, and finance experts with the knowledge, tools, and best practices needed to effectively integrate climate change into national development plans and financial frameworks. The course provides participants with a deep understanding of climate risk assessments, climate-responsive budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that development projects are climate-smart and resilient.
Additionally, the course addresses the importance of mobilizing climate finance from international sources, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and private sector investments, to support sustainable development. Through case studies, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn how to design policies, access funding, and implement climate-informed decision-making at the national and sectoral levels.
By strengthening the capacity of professionals responsible for economic planning, financial management, and policy implementation, this course contributes to building long-term climate resilience, enhancing sustainable growth, and ensuring the successful implementation of global commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the linkages between climate change and national development.
- Identify key challenges and opportunities in climate-responsive planning.
- Learn how to integrate climate risk assessments into development policies.
- Explore budgeting frameworks for climate adaptation and mitigation.
- Strengthen institutional capacities for climate policy implementation.
- Understand international climate finance mechanisms and investment opportunities.
- Develop skills in monitoring, reporting, and evaluating climate policies.
- Engage in case studies and practical exercises to apply climate budgeting concepts.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Participants will gain expertise in:
- Climate change mainstreaming approaches in national policies and strategies.
- Risk assessment and climate vulnerability mapping for informed decision-making.
- Budgeting techniques and financial planning for climate adaptation and mitigation.
- Accessing international and domestic climate finance sources.
- Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks for climate-integrated development plans.
- Stakeholder coordination and institutional arrangements for climate policy implementation.
- Aligning national development goals with global climate commitments (e.g., Paris Agreement, SDGs).
- Case studies on successful climate-integrated development plans.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS
This course is designed for government officials, policymakers, and development planners involved in economic planning, environmental management, and public finance. It is particularly beneficial for professionals working in finance ministries, planning commissions, and environmental agencies, as well as those responsible for climate policy formulation and implementation.
Additionally, the course is valuable for climate finance experts, researchers, and professionals from international organizations, NGOs, and development agencies seeking to enhance their expertise in climate budgeting, policy alignment, and strategic development planning. Private sector representatives and financial institutions involved in climate investment and sustainability initiatives will also benefit from insights into climate-resilient economic planning and financing mechanisms.
TRAINING MODULES
To effectively integrate climate change into national development planning and budgeting, it is essential to understand the policy landscape, financial instruments, risk assessment methods, and governance frameworks. This course is structured into modules that guide participants through the fundamental principles, strategic approaches, and practical applications of climate-responsive development planning.
The modules begin with an overview of climate change and its impact on national economies before exploring policy integration strategies, financial planning mechanisms, institutional frameworks, and climate risk management tools. Participants will also gain hands-on experience through case studies, simulation exercises, and policy analysis workshops to develop actionable solutions for climate-smart national development.
No | Module | Details | |
1. | Fundamentals of Climate Change and National Development |
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2. | Integrating Climate Change into Policy and Development Plans |
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3. | Climate-Responsive Budgeting and Financial Planning |
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4. | Accessing Climate Finance and Investment Opportunities |
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Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Planning |
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6. | Institutional Arrangements and Governance for Climate Action |
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7. | Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting on Climate Policies |
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8. | Practical Applications and Case Studies in Climate Integration |
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TRAINING STYLE
This course utilizes a practical, interactive, and experience-based training approach to ensure participants develop both theoretical understanding and real-world application skills. It combines expert-led lectures, group discussions, and case study analyses to provide insights into effective climate policy and budgeting strategies.
Participants will engage in hands-on exercises, simulation workshops, and role-playing activities to apply climate integration concepts in policy planning, financial decision-making, and governance frameworks. The course also features guest speakers from international climate finance institutions, government agencies, and sustainability organizations, offering valuable perspectives on real-world challenges and solutions. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and skills to implement climate-responsive development strategies within their respective institutions.
GENERAL NOTES
- Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
- Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
- We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
- Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE
The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.