Takeaways on climate finance accountability in practice: perspectives from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and project implementing institutions

Speakers: Milagros Moscoso, Head of Risk Management and Integrity, Peruvian Trust Fund for National Parks and Protected Areas (Profonanpe), Mukti Chhetri, Project Development and Post Accreditation Support Consultant, Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), Kwame Amaning, Internal Audit Manager, Ecobank Ghana.

Moderator: Bayartsetseg Jigmiddash, Outreach and Engagement Manager at Independent Integrity Unit (IIU), Green Climate Fund.

Setting the scene: why integrity matters in climate finance

Opening the session, Bayaraa Jigmiddash from the IIU emphasized that “integrity is not an add-on; it is central to climate impact.” Ensuring accountability in climate finance means guaranteeing that resources reach the communities they are intended to benefit while preserving trust in the process. When institutions invest in integrity systems, from grievance mechanisms to transparent procurement, they not only curb corruption but also foster confidence, accelerate progress, and strengthen local ownership. Ultimately, climate finance accountability is about making sure every dollar fulfills its purpose: advancing climate solutions that are fair, transparent, and trusted.

Strengthening integrity systems in Peru

Milagros Moscoso, Head of Risk Management and Integrity at Profonanpe, noted that integrity should be built into projects from the very beginning. She explained that the institution applies a due diligence system to prevent risks such as corruption, fraud, and money laundering, and stressed that policies only work when tested and adapted in real-world contexts. “Policies must be tested on the ground and adjusted through engagement with the communities implementing them,” she said. At Profonanpe, fostering open dialogue, offering regular training, setting clear safeguards, and monitoring financial flows have been key to making integrity part of everyday practice, from partner selection to community-level work.

Building trust through accountability in Ghana

Kwame Amaning, Internal Audit Manager at Ecobank Ghana, explained that the bank’s 2019 accreditation with the GCF strengthened its internal accountability systems. Through its GCF-funded solar energy projects, he described how Ecobank approaches integrity not just as compliance but as fostering accountability and leadership across all levels. The bank collaborates with community associations to ensure leadership roles are based on integrity and legitimate representation, encouraging collective responsibility among stakeholders. Amaning noted that these practices help reduce corruption risks, boost donor confidence, accelerate disbursement approvals, and improve readiness for high-risk projects. Integrity has thus become a core consideration in how Ecobank designs and implements climate finance initiatives.

Ensuring integrity from the ground up in Nepal

Mukti Chhetri from Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) shared insights from projects promoting modern, efficient, and climate-friendly clean cooking solutions to reduce GHG emissions. AEPC emphasizes local accountability, using grievance mechanisms that allow communities to raise and resolve concerns early.

Chhetri noted that sustaining integrity in climate projects depends on a culture of accountability built around the GCF’s four pillars: prevention, detection, investigation, and remediation. He emphasized that integrity starts with clearly communicating expectations to all vendors and stakeholders, including the consequences of non-compliance.

Other measures such as third-party verification of vendor claims, transparent recruitment, and fair procurement practices have helped build trust and strengthen local ownership. For AEPC, integrity mechanisms are not just control tools; they also empower communities to speak up and participate actively.

Peer learning: a collective journey All three institutions are part of the IIU’s Peer Learning Programme, which fosters shared learning and capacity building among Direct Access Entities (DAEs).The current peer learning cohort includes 28 members representing 14 Direct Access Entities across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Through this bottom-up approach, participants exchange lessons, address implementation challenges, and co-develop solutions tailored to their institutional contexts. As one participant summarized, “Through peer learning, integrity moves from compliance to collaboration.”

More insights and resources IIU’s approach to peer learning

The recording of the presentations from the October 16th Climate Finance working group meeting is available here: