The UK Government has released a policy paper setting out the priorities and outcomes for the UK's fourth international climate finance commitment.

Photo credit: OCEAN Grants © Bangladesh Environment and Development Society

The paper - International Climate Finance Strategy 2026 – has been published jointly by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

The Ministerial Foreword to the paper says:

“UK International Climate Finance (ICF) is central to our approach. It is not charity, it is an essential investment in our long-term national security and prosperity….

“Climate finance is a cornerstone of the global climate architecture. It strengthens the resilience of countries, economies and communities to climate shocks, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and protects nature, through technical assistance, capacity building and investment.”

The strategy sets out how the UK’s climate finance will deliver on 4 priorities:

• Mobilise public and private finance at scale for climate and nature outcomes.
• Transform the global energy system to deliver clean and affordable energy for all.
• Accelerate a transition to climate resilient communities, economies and ecosystems.
• Safeguard and sustain nature, including forests, oceans and coastal, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.

According to the paper, the UK Government is shifting from a traditional donor model to a strategic, partnership-driven approach. This includes bilateral programmes to leverage UK expertise, and Multilateral

Development Banks and institutions such as the Green Climate Fund.

“This strategy will deliver for the UK in helping cut global reliance on fossil fuels, bolster supply chains and open markets for UK expertise in finance, innovation and clean energy. It will also protect key ecosystems,

reflecting the findings of the Global Ecosystem Assessment that biodiversity is critical to our national security,” the paper states.

Click here to download UK Government publishes International Climate Finance Strategy 2026