Panel discussion: The role of PPPs in lowering the barrier to private investment in urban climate action

PPPs are gradually emerging as a powerful tool to mobilise private capital and expertise for climate projects, but how can cities expand the capacity for these types of partnerships, and what will it take to lower the barriers – often centred on ROI – to truly bring investors onboard? An expert panel of local authority finance experts and private investment representatives explore:

 

Mobilisation of private capital – panellists will emphasise how PPPs facilitate the mobilisation of private capital and resources for climate projects in urban areas. They will discuss how PPPs enable the sharing of financial risks and rewards between the public and private sectors, encouraging private investors to engage in climate action projects that may have otherwise seemed financially unfeasible. This also extends into leveraging private sector expertise, while ensuring cities continue to lead on policy and strategy.

 

Risk mitigation and financial viability – panellists will also discuss how PPPs offer mechanisms for risk mitigation and financial viability in climate projects. They will explore how sharing risks and establishing clear revenue streams can attract private investors and ensure that climate initiatives are economically sustainable. This includes the need for clear transparency and accountability frameworks between the parties involved and how this can help build trust organisationally and reputationally within cities at a community level.