The second dialogue in the EMG Nexus Dialogue series Addressing COVID-19 for the Environment explored how public and private finance could support a greener, more inclusive and resilient economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bringing together experts from UNEP, UNEP Finance Initiative, UNCDF, UNDP's Biodiversity Finance Initiative, OECD, academia and the private sector, the dialogue examined lessons from previous economic crises and opportunities to align financial policies and investments with long-term environmental and sustainable development objectives.

Discussions highlighted the importance of green fiscal policies, carbon pricing, reforming environmentally harmful subsidies and mobilizing innovative financing mechanisms, including green bonds and nature-linked financial instruments. Participants also emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments, financial institutions and businesses, supported by greater transparency, environmental risk disclosure and common sustainability standards.

The dialogue underscored that financing a green recovery requires more than short-term stimulus measures. It calls for sustained policy reforms, long-term investment and closer alignment of public and private finance to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable and resilient economy.

The third and final dialogue in the EMG Nexus Dialogue series Addressing COVID-19 for the Environment explored how integrated, regionally tailored approaches could support a greener, more inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bringing together representatives from the five UN Regional Commissions and the Regional Commissions New York Office, the dialogue examined regional priorities, challenges and opportunities for accelerating climate action, decarbonization and sustainable development. Discussions showcased initiatives across Africa, Europe, Western Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Asia and the Pacific, highlighting opportunities in renewable energy, sustainable transport, nature-based solutions, circular economy and resource management.

Participants emphasized the importance of integrated policymaking that addresses interconnected environmental, economic and social challenges, while responding to the specific circumstances of each region. Key priorities included strengthening regional cooperation, mobilizing sustainable finance, improving regulatory frameworks and enhancing institutional capacities to support green transitions.

The dialogue underscored the value of a coherent UN system-wide approach to building back better, combining shared sustainability principles with flexible, region-specific solutions. It highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration, knowledge-sharing and coordinated policy action to advance the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement.