The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has joined the Ocean Action 2030 Coalition, marking a significant step in mobilizing finance for a resilient blue economy. The announcement was made at COP30, where global leaders emphasized the urgency of scaling ocean-positive investments. UNCDF’s participation reflects its recognition as a trusted partner capable of unlocking investment in underserved markets and advancing sustainable ocean solutions.
UNCDF leverages its expertise in blended finance to design and deploy catalytic instruments such as guarantees, concessional finance, and investment grants. These tools help attract private capital while strengthening local financial ecosystems, particularly in Small Island Developing States and developing coastal economies. By absorbing early-stage risks and creating bankable investment pipelines, UNCDF enables national development banks, commercial lenders, development finance institutions, and multilateral development banks to scale their ocean-related investments, turning early-stage projects into sustainable opportunities for public and private finance.
Through initiatives like the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and the One Ocean Finance Facility, UNCDF provides robust financial platforms to implement ocean action. Its insurance programs in the Pacific further manage risk, protect livelihoods, and support communities where ocean-based economies are critical. Cynthia Barzuna, Director of Ocean Action 2030, highlighted UNCDF’s leadership in mobilizing catalytic finance as essential to turning commitments into actionable blue economy investments. Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, Executive Secretary of UNCDF, emphasized that joining the coalition strengthens UNCDF’s ability to accelerate investment in regenerative and resilient ocean economies while supporting vulnerable coastal and island communities.
Ocean Action 2030 is a voluntary coalition launched by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy to help countries develop and implement Sustainable Ocean Plans. The coalition provides technical, policy, and financial support aligned with national priorities, enabling countries to translate high-level ambitions into tangible outcomes. The Ocean Panel Secretariat, hosted by the World Resources Institute, serves as the coordination and research hub for the coalition’s activities.
UNCDF works to mobilize capital for impactful investments in high-risk markets, particularly in Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and countries in special situations. By deploying risk-absorbing financial instruments and advisory services, UNCDF drives job creation, economic growth, and equitable prosperity in over 70 countries. Operating in partnership with UN entities and development partners, the fund delivers scalable blended finance solutions that facilitate systemic change and attract larger-scale commercial and development finance.
