Building Resilience, Not Rebuilding Disaster: UN Climate Adaptation Expo Calls for Urgent Finance and Innovation

The largest annual climate adaptation gathering has concluded in Lusaka, Zambia, with a resounding call for scaled up investment to save lives, boost economies and secure a resilient future. The UN Climate Adaptation Expo 2025, held from 11 to 15 August, brought together 400 participants from 80 countries to strengthen National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

At the heart of the discussions was the pressing issue of climate finance. Delegates underscored that climate change is already eroding food security, health and infrastructure across the globe, with the poorest communities paying the highest price. An estimated 300 billion US dollars will be required annually by 2030 for climate adaptation. Without urgent investment, governments risk spending far more on rebuilding after disasters than on safeguarding against them in advance.

Zambia, the host nation, offered a stark reminder of the human cost. The 2023 to 2024 drought slashed crop yields and electricity generation by more than half, laying bare the vulnerability of livelihoods and the economy. Government officials emphasised the urgent need for adaptation strategies that place water management at the centre of planning, while ensuring broad participation of women, youth, local communities and the private sector.

One of the most notable features of this year’s Expo was the introduction of digital innovation in adaptation planning. Guided sessions introduced many participants to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning tools for the first time. Delegates collaborated on the co-production of an open sample NAP that demonstrated how advanced technologies could support climate assessments, planning and implementation. The sessions were so impactful that participants requested additional time to deepen their understanding.

Yet technology was not the only innovation on display. The Expo highlighted the wisdom of Indigenous Peoples in building resilience. Traditional leaders from Malawi reminded the global community that practices such as seed sovereignty, sacred forest protection and cultural rituals for ecological balance are long-standing forms of adaptation that continue to hold relevance today.

The event also served as a platform to launch updated technical guidelines for NAPs. These were welcomed by least developed countries as a strong basis to meet the 2025 NAP submission target in line with the Global Goal on Adaptation. Delegates further showcased practical solutions addressing water and food security, resilient infrastructure and secure livelihoods. Nature-based approaches featured strongly, including urban rainwater harvesting, restoration of rivers and streams, climate-smart agricultural techniques and coastal protection projects.

Ana Toni, Chief Executive of the upcoming COP30 in Brazil, stressed the need for a global mindset shift. She urged nations to elevate adaptation to the same level of importance as mitigation, framing COP30 as a turning point for ensuring resilience is firmly embedded in the global climate agenda.

The Lusaka meeting closed with a sense of urgency but also of solidarity. Gratitude was expressed to the Zambian people for hosting the Expo, whose spirit of hope and cooperation helped underpin the week’s successes. Delegates now turn their attention to Climate Week in Addis Ababa in September, which will bring together governments, financiers, development banks and civil society to advance discussions on adaptation finance, resilience and the Just Transition.

The message from Lusaka is clear. Investing in resilience today will save countless lives, protect economies and unlock opportunities for growth tomorrow. Choosing to delay will only make the cost higher and the losses greater.

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