The Republic of the Marshall Islands is advancing implementation of its enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0), showcasing that climate change is a matter of survival for the atoll nation.
During a recent mission, experts from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre joined partners in engaging with government, development organizations and communities to support the transition from climate ambition to investment-ready action.
With implementation by the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre, this work is supported by the NDC Partnership through the Partnership Action Fund (PAF), a “fund of last resort” designed as a backstopping funding mechanism to fill critical gaps in support to countries.
Rising tides – rising ambition
Rising seas, saltwater intrusion and intensifying storms are already affecting homes, livelihoods and critical infrastructure across the Marshall Islands. NDC 3.0 reflects the country’s determination to respond with both adaptation and mitigation measures — bridging long-term ambition with concrete, finance-ready actions.
At a High-level Donor Partner Roundtable — the first such gathering in over 10 years — government representatives presented priority areas for coordinated international support. Development partners including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the European Commission joined the dialogue, alongside other bilateral partners. The roundtable provided a renewed platform for aligning resources behind nationally defined climate and development priorities.
Bilateral meetings with ministries responsible for infrastructure, transport and finance, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and climate authorities, further strengthened engagement around the investment pipeline for NDC 3.0 implementation. Discussions focused on translating sectoral priorities and robust costing frameworks into bankable projects capable of attracting public and private finance.
Community voices at the centre
Recognizing that climate action must reflect lived realities, the mission included site visits to vulnerable communities on the islands of Rongrong and Ejit, undertaken together with the National Adaptation Plan and Loss and Damage teams from the Marshall Islands’ Climate Change Directorate.
Community members – including youth, elders and workers, women and men – shared their first-hand experiences of the impacts of climate change, such as coastal erosion and flooding, while contributing perspectives on resilience and local priorities. Interviews were also conducted with the Minister of Environment, Climate Envoys and the Director of the Climate Change Directorate to document the country’s vision for NDC 3.0.
A call for collective global action
For the Marshall Islands, climate action is indispensable. The country’s NDC 3.0 integrates both dimensions, grounded in climate science and risk assessments, and provides a clear framework to unlock scaled-up finance.
UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre will continue to support the Republic of the Marshall Islands through strengthened partnerships and community engagement, with a focus on an investment-oriented approach that translates climate commitments into concrete pathways for resilient and sustainable development.
