Letter from the Secretariat Board
Chittagong International Model United Nations 2025
Dear Delegates, It is with great pride and immense enthusiasm that we welcome you to Chittagong
International Model United Nations 2025 (CIMUN 25). It is an honor for us, the Secretariat Board, to host
you at what we hope will be a memorable and impactful experience — one that challenges your intellect,
sharpens your diplomacy, and inspires your voice.
CIMUN is not just a conference; it is a platform that brings together aspiring changemakers who believe in
the power of dialogue and collaboration. Over the course of this conference, you will step into the shoes of
diplomats and policymakers, engage in constructive debate, and work toward crafting meaningful solutions to
some of the most pressing global issues. We sincerely hope that you approach this journey with the seriousness
it deserves and the curiosity it demands.
This year’s committees have been thoughtfully curated to reflect a wide range of contemporary challenges,
and we believe each of you holds the potential to shape the conversations in unique and impactful ways. As
you prepare to represent your nations and ideals, remember that it is your ideas, passion, and diplomacy that
will shape the course of this conference. We cannot wait to see the sparks of brilliance you bring to the
committee rooms.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Chittagong International Model United Nations 2025.
Warm regards,
The Secretariat Board
Chittagong International Model United Nations 2025 (CIMUN 25)
International Global Affairs Council(IGAC)
Committee: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Agenda: Ensuring Environmental Justice and Local Equity in Climate Finance and Green
Transitions
Subtopic Page No.
1 Committee Introduction 4
2 Agenda Introduction 5
3 History of the Agenda 8
4 Current Situation 9
5 Past Actions 11
6 Global Examples in Practice 12
7 Summary 13
8 Guiding Questions / QARMA 15
9 Bibliography 16
Committee Introduction
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' primary
agency dedicated to international development and poverty eradication. Founded in
1965, the UNDP operates in nearly every developing country, helping nations design and
implement sustainable development strategies. It supports countries in building
institutions, promoting good governance, and responding to crises—whether they stem
from poverty, conflict, natural disasters, or environmental degradation.
Unlike political UN bodies such as the Security Council or General Assembly, the UNDP is
a programmatic and implementation-focused agency. It does not pass binding
resolutions or enforce peacekeeping, but rather advises, funds, and implements
development projects in partnership with national governments, NGOs, civil society, and
international donors. The agency plays a critical role in coordinating global efforts to
achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a strong focus on climate
action (SDG 13), reducing inequality (SDG 10), and strengthening institutions (SDG 16).
A key pillar of the UNDP’s work is supporting countries in addressing the climate crisis.
Through initiatives like the Climate Promise, Green Climate Fund support, and local
resilience-building projects, the UNDP helps governments and communities adapt to
climate impacts, reduce emissions, and develop green economic pathways. The
agency emphasizes the importance of inclusive development, where local voices are
prioritized, and development outcomes are equitable and sustainable.
In this committee, delegates will simulate the work of the UNDP by discussing the theme:
Ensuring Environmental Justice and Local Equity in Climate Finance and Green
Transitions. Delegates must think beyond treaties and focus on practical, people-
centered solutions. This includes addressing how climate funds are accessed and
distributed, how marginalized communities can be empowered in the green transition,
and how to ensure that development projects are not only environmentally sound but
also socially just.
As participants, delegates will need to balance development priorities with environmental
commitments, ensuring that vulnerable groups are not sidelined in climate policies. Real-world
development challenges such as lack of access to resources, limited capacity, political
instability, or gender inequality should inform every proposal. Delegates should act as advocates
for inclusive policy frameworks, community-based solutions, and the fair allocation of climate
finance—reflecting the UNDP’s mission to leave no one behind.
Agenda Introduction
As the global community accelerates efforts to combat climate change, the need for fair
and inclusive approaches has never been more urgent. The agenda “Ensuring
Environmental Justice and Local Equity in Climate Finance and Green Transitions” addresses
the pressing issue of how climate action can be made equitable and socially just. While
climate finance and green technologies are expanding, the benefits and decision-making
often remain concentrated in wealthier regions and among more privileged groups. This
topic calls on delegates to explore strategies that ensure marginalized communities,
particularly in developing countries, are not left behind in the green transition. It highlights
the critical role of environmental justice—ensuring fairness in the distribution of
environmental benefits and burdens—and local equity, where affected communities are
empowered, included, and supported in climate-related initiatives.
In many cases, large-scale green projects are developed without meaningful input from
local communities, especially in developing countries. While these projects may help
reduce emissions or support clean energy targets, they can also displace communities, limit
access to traditional lands, or exclude marginalized groups from decision-making and
benefits. This has led to growing concern over what some call “green colonialism”—when
environmental initiatives imposed from outside end up serving the interests of wealthier
nations or elites at the expense of local populations.
Ensuring environmental justice means addressing these imbalances head-on. It requires
rethinking how climate finance is distributed, who gets to participate in green transitions,
and what principles guide the shift to sustainable economies. It also involves recognizing
that those most vulnerable to climate change—such as small island states, indigenous
peoples, and low-income communities—must not only be protected but also
empowered.
This topic challenges policymakers and stakeholders to design climate action that is not
only effective but fair. Equity must be more than an afterthought; it should be built into the
core of climate finance strategies and green transition plans. The focus is not just on
reaching environmental goals, but on ensuring that the path to those goals is inclusive,
democratic, and just.
As global efforts to combat climate change accelerate, concerns have grown over
whether climate finance and green transitions are truly equitable. While climate finance is
meant to support vulnerable countries, in practice, access often favors middle-income or
better-connected regions.
A breakdown of EU climate finance shows that Africa receives 31.68%, followed by Asia
(26.65%) and the Americas (15.79%). However, over 8% goes to Europe, and 17.63% falls
under a vague “Other” category. This raises questions about transparency and whether
funding is reaching the local communities most impacted by climate change.
Ensuring environmental justice means addressing these gaps. Green policies must do more
than meet environmental targets—they must also be fair, inclusive, and grounded in the
needs and rights of affected communities, especially in the Global South.
History of the Agenda
The roots of environmental justice and equitable climate finance can be traced
back to the 1992 Earth Summit (Rio de Janeiro), which introduced the principle of
common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). It recognized that while all
countries share responsibility for climate change, their historical contributions and
current capabilities differ greatly. This idea laid the groundwork for the modern global
climate finance system and called attention to inequalities in environmental policy.
In the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, industrialized nations committed to reducing emissions,
but the mechanisms created for climate finance were largely focused on mitigation
projects and carbon markets, with little direct benefit to local communities or
vulnerable populations. By 2009 (Copenhagen Accord) and 2010 (Cancun
Agreements), developed nations pledged to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to
help developing countries adapt to and mitigate climate change. However,
concerns soon emerged about where the money was going and who it was helping.
Much of the funding favored large-scale projects led by governments or private
entities, with minimal input from indigenous groups, women, rural communities, and
civil society actors on the front lines of climate impacts.
The 2015 Paris Agreement marked a significant milestone by linking climate action
with the principles of equity and justice. It emphasized the importance of financing
climate-resilient development, especially for least developed countries (LDCs) and
Small Island Developing States (SIDS). However, implementation remained largely
top-down, and local equity issues persisted. COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) and COP27
(Sharm El-Sheikh, 2022) reignited calls for "loss and damage" funding, recognizing
that vulnerable nations are already suffering irreversible impacts from climate
change. This led to the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 (Dubai,
2023)—a historic decision aimed at compensating countries and communities
bearing the brunt of climate breakdown. However, clarity on how this fund will
operate and who will benefit remains a major challenge. A 2023 report by the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that less than 10% of climate finance
actually reaches the local level, raising major concerns about the inclusiveness of
global climate financing. Grassroots organizations continue to advocate for direct
access mechanisms, simpler application processes, and capacity-building for local
actors to receive funding.
The concept of "Just Transition"—originally focused on protecting fossil fuel workers in
high-income countries—has evolved. Now, especially through UNDP and civil society
efforts, it emphasizes the need for inclusive green transitions that avoid reproducing
existing inequalities in energy access, land rights, and job opportunities. The UNDP
Climate Promise 2.0, launched in 2022, expanded support to over 120 countries in revising
and implementing climate commitments (NDCs) with a stronger focus on equity, gender-
responsiveness, and local ownership. In 2024–2025, growing attention is being given to
the role of indigenous peoples, youth, and local governments in managing climate
funds. Pilot programs across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America are testing
community-led climate finance models, supported by multilateral agencies and NGOs.
Current Situation
As of 2025, the global community continues to grapple with the dual challenge of
accelerating climate action while addressing the deep-rooted inequalities that persist
in climate finance and green transitions. Although the international climate finance
system has grown in scope—with billions pledged by developed nations, multilateral
banks, and private actors—funding remains unevenly distributed. Most of the money
still flows through national governments and large institutions, rarely reaching the
communities most vulnerable to climate impacts. According to recent estimates, less
than 10% of global climate finance directly reaches local actors, despite repeated
commitments to decentralize access and empower grassroots implementation.
The UNDP, along with other UN bodies, has acknowledged that climate finance cannot
be effective without addressing social equity, historical injustices, and the structural
barriers that prevent marginalized groups—especially women, indigenous peoples,
rural populations, and youth—from participating fully in climate planning and resource
allocation. While tools like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) have been
adopted in over 190 countries, many of these strategies still lack clear mechanisms for
local engagement or benefit-sharing. Efforts to reform this are underway. Through its
Climate Promise 2.0, UNDP has been helping countries revise their NDCs to better
incorporate principles of equity, gender-responsiveness, and
community ownership. The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28
(Dubai, 2023) was a landmark moment for environmental justice. It acknowledged the
irreversible harm suffered by vulnerable nations due to climate change and committed
to providing financial support for recovery. However, as of mid-2025, the fund’s
operational structure is still being negotiated, and concerns have been raised about
whether its governance will genuinely reflect the voices of those most affected.
Similarly, while the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and other climate finance institutions
have made strides in simplifying their funding access processes, local NGOs and
community organizations still report that bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and
limited technical capacity prevent them from applying or managing large-scale
grants.
Green transitions themselves—whether in energy, transportation, or agriculture—are
also under scrutiny. While many countries have adopted ambitious decarbonization
plans, these efforts sometimes lead to land grabs, forced displacements, or job losses in
vulnerable sectors. For example, the rapid expansion of renewable energy
infrastructure in some developing countries has raised concerns over indigenous land
rights and the fair distribution of project benefits. Additionally, in the absence of strong
local institutions, the transition risks being dominated by private corporations and elite
interests, rather than benefiting the broader population.
In response, some regions are exploring innovative solutions. Countries like Kenya,
Bangladesh, and Colombia are piloting community-led climate funds and participatory
budgeting for green projects. These models aim to give local actors real decision-
making power over how climate money is spent in their communities. International
donors and multilateral organizations are beginning to support such approaches, but
they remain limited in scale and often rely on external technical assistance.
Overall, the current situation is marked by a widening gap between global climate
finance commitments and the lived realities of frontline communities. Without
deliberate reforms to prioritize justice and equity, climate finance may risk reinforcing
existing inequalities rather than solving them. The role of the UNDP, and of international
cooperation more broadly, is now more critical than ever in shaping inclusive,
accessible, and just climate finance frameworks that leave no one behind.
Past Actions
Over the years, the international community has made strong, long-term commitments
to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition through key frameworks and coordinated
action.
1992 – Rio Earth Summit: Introduced the principle of common but differentiated
responsibilities (CBDR), laying the foundation for equity in global environmental policy.
1997 – Kyoto Protocol: Created market-based climate finance mechanisms like the
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), though with limited benefit to local
communities.
2009 – Copenhagen Accord: Developed countries pledged to mobilize $100 billion
annually by 2020 for climate finance in developing nations.
2010 – Creation of Climate Finance Institutions: Establishment of the Green Climate
Fund (GCF), Adaptation Fund, and Climate Investment Funds (CIF) to support mitigation
and adaptation efforts globally.
2015 – Paris Agreement: Reaffirmed the importance of finance, equity, and support for
vulnerable countries. Encouraged inclusive Nationally Determined Contributions
(NDCs), but many lacked clear local participation mechanisms.
2019 – UNDP Climate Promise Launched: Supported 100+ countries in developing or
revising NDCs with an emphasis on equity, gender, and local engagement.
2022 – Climate Promise 2.0: Expanded support to over 120 countries, prioritizing just
transitions, community ownership, and inclusive climate strategies.
2023 – COP28 (Dubai): Historic agreement to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to
support vulnerable countries facing irreversible climate impacts. Implementation
remains ongoing.
Ongoing – UNDP LocaL and Community-Led Projects: Initiatives like the Local
Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) aim to channel finance directly to local
governments and promote bottom-up climate resilience planning.
Global Examples in Practice
Examining real-world examples helps illustrate how climate finance and green
transitions impact communities on the ground. These case studies show both
successes and challenges in ensuring environmental justice and local equity,
highlighting why inclusive and locally driven approaches are essential for
effective
Kenya – Local Climate Finance through LoCAL
In Kenya, the UNDP-supported Local Climate Adaptive Living Facility (LoCAL) has helped
local governments access climate finance and incorporate adaptation into local
development planning. Counties vulnerable to drought and floods have used these
funds to build climate-resilient infrastructure, such as water harvesting systems and
drought-tolerant agriculture. LoCAL’s strength lies in its bottom-up approach, which
empowers communities to prioritize and manage their own adaptation needs. It
demonstrates how decentralized finance, when combined with capacity-building, can
deliver climate justice and strengthen local governance.
India – Renewable Energy and Land Displacement in Tribal
Areas
India has made major strides in transitioning to renewable energy,
becoming one of the world’s largest producers of solar power.
However, several large-scale solar and wind projects—particularly in
Rajasthan and tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh—have led to land
dispossession of indigenous communities, often without adequate
consultation or compensation. This reflects a growing concern that
green transitions, if not carefully
planned, can replicate extractive patterns of development and deepen inequalities.
India’s case shows the need for prior informed consent, community ownership, and
stronger environmental justice safeguards in national climate policies.
Fiji – Community-Based Adaptation in Small Island States
Fiji, a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), faces rising sea levels and increasing storm
intensity. In response, the government—with support from UNDP and other partners—has
implemented community-based relocation programs and resilience planning. Villages
like Vunidogoloa have been successfully relocated inland through participatory
processes that respected local culture, ensured access to livelihoods, and involved
vulnerable groups in planning. Fiji’s case highlights the importance of inclusive
adaptation that centers local voices, especially in countries facing existential climate
threats.
Summary
Looking ahead, it is crucial for the international community to reimagine climate
finance and green transitions through a lens of equity, inclusion, and justice. One
major consideration is the need to simplify access to climate finance for vulnerable
populations. Current mechanisms are often complex and bureaucratic, making it
difficult for grassroots organizations, local governments, and marginalized groups to
benefit. Creating more direct, transparent, and equitable pathways for accessing
funds can empower those most affected by climate change to take meaningful
action in their own communities.
Another key area involves promoting community-led climate solutions. Local
populations often possess valuable traditional knowledge and innovative practices
that can contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. Supporting their
leadership in project design and implementation not only ensures relevance but also
increases long-term effectiveness and accountability. To complement this, more
investment is needed in capacity-building programs that equip local
actors with the technical, financial, and administrative skills required to manage
green projects effectively.
Future policies must also consider the importance of inclusive governance. Ensuring
that women,
indigenous peoples, youth, and marginalized groups have a seat at the table in
national and international climate discussions is essential. Their involvement
strengthens democratic participation and leads to more equitable and context-
specific outcomes. Additionally, efforts should be made to monitor and evaluate the
social impacts of green transitions to prevent unintended consequences such as job
losses, forced displacement, or inequality in access to new green infrastructure.
International cooperation will remain vital. Developed countries must fulfill their
climate finance commitments, not only in terms of volume but also in improving the
quality, accessibility, and transparency of support. Technology transfer, knowledge
sharing, and long-term partnerships can also help ensure that developing countries
are not left behind in the global transition to sustainability.
Ultimately, addressing climate change justly requires more than innovation—it
demands intentional and inclusive decision-making that recognizes past injustices
and actively works to correct them.
Guiding Questions / QARMA
How can the UNDP support fairer distribution of climate finance at the local level?
What steps can be taken to simplify climate finance application processes for small and
local actors?
Should there be a global minimum percentage of climate finance earmarked for
community-led or locally managed projects?
How can we ensure indigenous, rural, and marginalized voices shape national climate
policies?
What role should international donors and the private sector play in promoting
environmental justice?
What barriers currently prevent marginalized communities from accessing climate finance,
and how can these be addressed at local, national, and international levels?
How can governments and development agencies ensure that green transition policies
are inclusive and do not disproportionately harm vulnerable groups such as indigenous
peoples, women, and low-income communities?
What role should the UNDP play in monitoring the social equity impacts of climate finance
and green infrastructure projects?
How can climate finance mechanisms (e.g., the Green Climate Fund) be made more
transparent, accessible, and accountable to local actors?
In what ways can traditional knowledge and local expertise be integrated into national
green transition strategies?
What safeguards can be introduced to prevent "greenwashing" in climate-related
projects funded through international aid or development finance?
How can international cooperation be improved to support fair technology transfer and
capacity building in developing countries undergoing green transitions?
What policies can be implemented to ensure that green jobs and renewable energy
initiatives are equitably distributed across regions and populations?
How can the UNDP help governments design climate policies that balance economic
growth, environmental sustainability, and social justice?
What indicators or benchmarks should be used to measure whether climate finance
and green development projects are truly delivering environmental justice and local
equity?
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