In the event, participants discussed the need for utilising diverse approaches for facilitating adaptation to climate change. A summary of IGES expert consultation on proactive micro-adaptation was presented, followed by a discussion on adaptation initiatives from international organisations such as the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). An international panel discussion on options for supporting adaptation in the future climate regime beyond 2012 was the key feature of this event.

Akio Morishima, IGES, stated that adaptation to climate change is becoming crucial for all countries and that there is a need to prepare for the changes that are anticipated to occur over the next several decades.
Ancha Srinivasan, IGES, summarised the findings from field surveys in Bangladesh and of an expert consultation on proactive micro-adaptation. He noted the need for establishing formal mechanisms to integrate views of local communities in adaptation plans and for creating incentives and financial mechanisms to facilitate adaptation at local level.
Ian Noble, World Bank, stated that nearly 40% of the Bank's projects include climate-sensitive components but only 2% of project design documents explicitly mention climate variability or change and explained Bank's initiatives in developing tools to assist project developers.
Stephen Gitonga, UNDP, described the UNDP-GEF's adaptation portfolio through providing specific examples of projects in various countries.
Mohan Munasinghe, Munasinghe Institute for Development, explained the utility of Action-Impact Matrix in mainstreaming adaptation and mitigation concerns in developmental programmes and policies, and noted that existing mechanisms for adaptation must be fully utilized before looking into new mechanisms.
Taka Hiraishi, IGES, while moderating the panel session, noted the need for integration of adaptation and development agenda.
Monirul Mirza, Adaptation Impacts Research Group of the University of Toronto, said that lending and aid agencies can play a constructive role in mainstreaming climate change.
Jyoti Parikh, Integrated Research and Action for Development, noted that equity issues are important in addressing adaptation as poor communities in each country are most vulnerable while their contribution to climate change is minimal.
Agus Sari, Pelangi, explained that developing an optional protocol for adaptation might enhance focus on the issue but cautioned that broad participation of countries in such protocol cannot be assured.
John Mooteb, Department of Economic Affairs of Federated States of Micronesia, noted the urgency of assisting small island states in adapting to climate change.

Opening remarks Prof. Akio Morishima, IGES

Salient findings from IGES consultation on proactive microadaptation322KB Dr. Ancha Srinivasan, IGES

World Bank's perspectives on facilitating adaptation to climate change406KB Dr. Ian Noble, World Bank

UNDP-GEF initiatives on adaptation334KB Mr. Stephen Gitonga, UNDP

Bridging adaptation research and policy: Issues and challenges147KB Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, MIND, Sri Lanka

Panel discussion on options for facilitating adaptation in the future climate regime beyond 2012 (panel questions22KB ) Moderator: Mr. Taka Hiraishi, IGES Panelists: Dr. Ian Noble, World Bank Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, MIND, Sri Lanka Dr. Monirul Mirza, AIRG, Canada10KB Dr. Jyoti Parikh, IRADe, India Mr. Agus Sari, Pelangi, Indonesia Mr. John Mooteb, DEA, Federated States of Micronesia

Q&A session

Closing remarks Prof. Akio Morishima, IGES