The EIB participated as an observer at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17), the annual meeting of global leaders and climate action specialists, held in Durban (South Africa) from 28 November to 9 December.
Climate finance was one of the major topics of this year's negotiations. The EIB is one of the largest climate lenders and is closely involved in setting up the Green Climate Fund, which will help countries cope with global warming.
The Bank organised and participated in a number of events in the EU and South African Pavilions, where it had a stand. The Bank's delegation consisted of high-level experts and officials, including Vice-President Simon Brooks (responsible for climate action) and Vice-President Plutarkos Sakellaris (responsible for financing operations in ACP countries and South Africa).
The EIB took part in the Durban Growth Series, looking at public-private partnerships for private investment in clean energy and green growth, organised by the World Economic Forum. It also participated in the Water Day organised by the African Ministers' Council on Water, the Climate Coalition and the Global Water Partnership. At the World Climate Summit, the EIB discussed cooperation between business and the financial sector for the creation of a sustainable economy.
The EIB has observer status at the UN Climate Change convention.
For more information on COP 17, please visit the Conference website.