UN chief rallies developed nations to deliver $40bn adaptation finance before year end

António Guterres, United Nations secretary-general, has called on developed countries to honour their $40 billion adaptation finance pledge to developing nations before the end of 2025.

At COP26 in Glasgow, United Kingdom, countries agreed to double adaptation finance from $20 billion to $40 billion by 2025.

As of 2023, reports from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the OECD indicate that developed countries are still off track in meeting the $40 billion adaptation goal. Adaptation finance remains around $25 billion to $29 billion, far below the promised level.

In its recent report, UNEP said developing countries will need between $310 billion and $365 billion every year by 2035 to cope with worsening climate impacts.

Speaking at the ongoing COP30 leaders’ summit in Belém, Brazil, on Thursday, Guterres said the promise made under the global adaptation finance commitment, must translate into real support for developing countries.

“Developing countries must leave Belém equipped with a climate justice package that delivers equity, dignity, and opportunity,” he said.

“That means ensuring developed nations honour their pledge to provide $40 billion in adaptation finance by the end of this year — and giving confidence that affordable finance will be scaled up beyond 2025.”

Guterres said bridging the adaptation finance gap is crucial for protecting vulnerable communities already facing worsening floods, droughts, and food insecurity.

He urged world leaders to move from promises to action by implementing the agreements reached in previous COPs — including the $1.3 trillion annual climate finance goal for developing countries by 2035.

The UN chief also reiterated that justice must be at the heart of the global transition, calling for significant contributions and simplified access to the Loss and Damage Fund.

“It’s no longer time for negotiations. It’s time for implementation — with faster disbursement, fair terms, and financing that reflects climate vulnerability,” he said.

Guterres added that the success of COP30 will be measured by whether developed nations deliver on their financial commitments and whether vulnerable countries leave with renewed confidence in the global climate system.