Strengthening Access to Redress: The IRM’s Outreach Webinar for African-based Civil Society

On 22 July 2026, the Independent Redress Mechanism (IRM) of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) hosted a virtual outreach webinar for civil society organisations (CSOs) and local communities across Africa to raise awareness of grievance redress and accountability in climate finance. The webinar, titled “Grievance redress and the GCF: the role of the IRM in Africa,” was offered in both English and French and provided participants with practical information on how communities can raise concerns related to GCF-funded projects.

The session opened with welcome remarks from Sonja Derkum, Head of the IRM. Peter Carlson, Communications Specialist, presented an overview of the GCF’s architecture and key policies, helping participants understand how GCF-funded activities are structured and monitored. Sue Kyung Hwang, Dispute Resolution Case Associate, introduced the IRM’s mandate and role within the GCF accountability framework. Paul Goodwin, Compliance and Policy Lead, guided participants through the process of filing a complaint. Lastly, Preksha Krishna Kumar, Registrar and Compliance Specialist, explained the IRM’s case handling process and the outcomes that complainants may achieve.

Throughout the webinar, participants engaged through polls, questions, and discussion, culminating in an interactive Q&A session. The event forms part of the IRM’s ongoing outreach efforts to ensure that potentially affected communities and civil society organisations are aware of the accountability and redress mechanisms available within GCF. Through these initiatives, the IRM continues to promote transparency, accountability, and access to remedy across GCF-funded activities.