“Spending Scrutinized: Consultants, Business-Class Tickets, and Deputy Executive Director Under Fire at Climate Fund Meeting”
The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) faced scrutiny at its latest board meeting, with concerns raised over spending on consultants, business-class plane tickets, and the necessity of a deputy executive director. With only $69 million in its bank account, the fund’s new executive director, Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, was urged to keep running costs low.
The fund, established at COP27 in Egypt, aims to assist individuals affected by extreme weather and rising seas due to climate change. Diong, a Senegalese-American banker, presented a budget allocating nearly $0.7 million for consultants in the first six months of 2025 out of a total budget of $4.3 million. Some board members, like Sudan’s Sumaya Zakieldeen, advocated for in-house staff to minimize costs.
Travel expenses also came under scrutiny, with $0.6 million budgeted for staff travel in the first half of 2025. The fund, hosted by the World Bank, follows the bank’s travel policy, allowing business class for flights over five hours. Denmark’s Jens Fugl questioned the substantial travel budget, emphasizing the need for cost-effective travel.
The board members debated the travel policy, with developed-country representatives expected to cover their own travel costs. The fund plans to adhere to a policy similar to the UN and Green Climate Fund, favoring economy class flights unless over nine hours. The US and Denmark pushed for more economy travel to reduce emissions, while the Philippines’ Mark Dennis Y.C. Joven raised concerns about differing policies for developing-country board members.
Additionally, the proposal to hire a deputy executive director was met with questions from board members. Diong defended the position, stating the deputy would focus on operations, advocacy, and communications, allowing him to concentrate on fundraising efforts. Despite pledges totaling $749 million from wealthy nations, only $69 million has been received, with outstanding payments from countries like the UAE, UK, France, and Italy.
COP29 president Mukhtar Babayev emphasized the importance of fulfilling contribution agreements and securing additional pledges to meet the urgent needs of climate change victims. The fund aims to start distributing funds by the end of 2025, with a focus on supporting vulnerable communities impacted by climate change.