Lusaka, Zambia – 12 August 2025 – More than 450 participants from around the globe have gathered in Lusaka for the 10th edition of the National Adaptation Plan Expo (NAP Expo 2025), the largest climate adaptation event under the United Nations climate change process. The four-day gathering, running from 12–15 August, comes at a critical moment as the world faces escalating climate-related disasters, from crippling droughts and floods to deadly heatwaves and wildfires.
This year’s theme, “Innovations in the Process”, aims to drive new thinking, technology, and financing models to strengthen National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) – crucial blueprints for building resilience against climate impacts.
Youssef Nassef, Director of Adaptation at UN Climate Change, set the tone in his opening remarks, stressing that the focus must shift from political debate to tangible action.
“At this Expo, the international politics of adaptation will give way to what matters most: implementation, reducing vulnerabilities, saving lives,” Nassef said. “Innovation must harness technology, finance, inclusive governance and community wisdom – for Africa and for the world.”
He praised Zambia’s “spirit of solidarity, hope, collectivism and harmony” in hosting the event and called for momentum to be scaled up globally.
Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Mike Mposha, emphasized the urgency of global collaboration in implementing NAPs, especially in vulnerable nations.
“I wish to appeal to the Global North, in the spirit of climate justice and equity, to provide adaptation financing to least developed countries,” Mposha urged, referencing the goal for developed nations to triple climate finance for developing countries from USD 100 billion annually to USD 300 billion by 2035.
He noted Zambia’s proactive steps in identifying nine climate-vulnerable sectors – including water, agriculture, energy, health, infrastructure, fisheries, and wildlife – and prioritizing sector-specific actions.
In a video address, Ana Toni, CEO of COP30 to be held in Belém, Brazil this November, said adaptation must be elevated to the same importance as mitigation.
“COP30 will serve as a turning point for adaptation. Together, we can safeguard our communities for a more resilient and sustainable future,” she said.
Since its launch in 2013, the NAP Expo has become the premier global platform for advancing adaptation planning. This 10th anniversary edition highlights innovations in NAP processes and offers opportunities for developing countries to connect with funders such as the Green Climate Fund, Global Environment Facility, and the Adaptation Fund.
Sessions this week will explore topics ranging from AI tools for adaptation and regenerative futures to gender-responsive planning, youth leadership, nature-based solutions, and aligning NAPs with Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Organized by the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG) under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the event serves as a catalyst for partnerships, technical exchange, and mobilizing climate finance – aiming to turn plans into real-world resilience.
The full programme, livestream links, and daily updates are available on the NAP Expo 2025 event page.
