Finance Ministers Underscore Climate Action as a Defining Economic Opportunity of Our Time, Not Just a Risk
Washington, D.C., April 15, 2026 — The Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action held its 15th Ministerial Meeting on the opportunities arising from the transition to green and resilient economies, on the margins of the 2026 World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings.
Setting the tone for the meeting, the Co-Chairs, Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Uganda; H.E. Eelco Heinen, Minister of Finance of the Netherlands; and H.E. Tomislav Ćorić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Croatia, issued a joint statement underscoring that the shift to green and resilient economies is not only a defining global challenge, but also a major economic opportunity.
In their statement, the Co-Chairs further emphasized that while the shift to low-carbon and resilient economies comes with risks, it also presents significant economic opportunities. They underscored that transition, and resilience-enhancing opportunities arise from both the transformation of economies toward clean energy and low-carbon technologies, and from investments that strengthen resilience to climate impacts. Together, these create new sources of growth, jobs, and investment, while helping economies become more stable, secure, and less exposed to external shocks.
The meeting came at a timely moment to discuss these economic opportunities, with Finance Ministers noting how recent geopolitical developments and energy market volatility have exposed the risks of fossil fuel dependence and reinforced the case for clean, secure, and diversified energy systems. They also emphasized that rapid technological progress and falling costs, particularly in renewable energy and electric mobility, are reshaping global markets and creating new opportunities for investment, innovation, and job creation.
Building on this, Finance Ministers exchanged practical experiences on how ministries can enable these shifts, through clear policy direction, sound fiscal frameworks, and measures that crowd in To support finance ministries in seizing these economic opportunities, the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, now comprising over 100 member countries, is launching a new three-year Strategic Work Program built around the priorities of members: transforming economies by integrating climate and development goals, embedding climate into macro-fiscal analysis, policy and debt management, using fiscal instruments to decarbonize, mobilizing private finance and financing adaptation.
Through peer-to-peer exchange, capacity building, and policy development, the Coalition will help finance ministries integrate climate considerations into macroeconomic decision-making and scale investment. The Program is designed to turn opportunity into action: supporting growth, creating jobs, and strengthening economic resilience.
Hon. Matia Kasaija, Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Uganda:
“While climate change poses more risks to Africa than any other region, the continent also holds major opportunities in the green transition. Strategic investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and adaptation can drive growth, create jobs and strengthen resilience, and finance ministries are central to unlocking this potential.”
H.E. Tomislav Ćorić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Croatia:
“Finance ministries play a critical role in creating the enabling environment to unlock private finance and guide the transition. By aligning fiscal and financial policies with climate objectives, we can unlock economic opportunities, attract investment, support innovation, and strengthen economic resilience.”
H.E. Eelco Heinen, Minister of Finance of the Netherlands:
“Today, the Netherlands is handing over the co-chairmanship of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action to Croatia. I wish my colleague Tomislav Ćorić every success.”
About the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action
The Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action was established in 2019. It brings together over 100 Ministries of Finance committed to integrating climate considerations into economic and financial policies and advancing climate-informed fiscal planning and public financial management. The Coalition serves as a platform for Finance Ministries to exchange experience, develop common approaches, and strengthen capacity to support the transition toward a resilient and sustainable economy. The Coalition is currently co-chaired by the Ministries of Finance of Croatia and Uganda, following the Netherlands’ conclusion of its three-year term and the handover of co-chair responsibilities to Croatia. The Secretariat is jointly hosted by the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund. In addition to its member countries, the Coalition works with 23 Institutional Partners and a wide network of Knowledge Partners that contribute technical expertise and support collaborative initiatives.
For more details, visit the Coalition website, Linkedin Account, Work Programme, and Climate Action Statement 2025, or contact the Coalition Secretariat at: coalitionsecretariat@financeministersforclimate.org