The 6^th Annual International Climate Initiative (IKI) Colombia Interface Workshop was held on 3 June 2025 in Bogotá, Colombia, at the Universidad de los Andes, Centro del Japón. It took place as part of the First Week of the Climate and Just Energy Transition Partnership between Colombia and Germany, which was held from 3–6 June 2025.

The workshop served as a dynamic platform that promoted collaboration between a diverse range of stakeholders committed to advancing climate and biodiversity goals in Colombia. This annual event, supported by IKI, played a pivotal role in fostering dialogue, exchanging knowledge, and strengthening partnerships.

Representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) joined the delegation from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), officials from the German Embassy and the German Government, and representatives of UN agencies such as Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the UNDP-implemented GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP). The workshop was attended by a multi-level participants from government agencies, The CSOs included APIUSME, Caminando el Territorio, Corcunpaz, JAC Chisacá, and AAA Sumapaz. They were also joined by three local women leaders from the Scaling Up Climate Ambition on Land Use and Agriculture project (SCALA) in La Guajira.

Key highlights from the workshop include:

1. Panel Discussions: Three engaging panel sessions were held, offering valuable insights into topics relating to climate and biodiversity.
2. Interactive Networking: Participants had the opportunity to explore poster presentations and take part in a creative networking exercise involving personal photographs, which was designed to foster connections among attendees.
3. Side Events: A series of side events provided additional platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge exchange.
4. Field Visit: Participants visited the Guardianas del Páramo y la Acción Climática Sumapaz project, a joint initiative between the SGP and the UNDP SCALA project and supported by IKI. It is located in the Sumapaz locality --- home to one of world’s largest and best conserved alpine tundras ecosystem, or páramos in Spanish.

Sumapaz, however, suffers from the impacts of unsustainable agriculture and livestock rearing, as well as the pressures of urban expansion because of its proximity to Colombia’s capital. Thus, the project focuses on biodiversity conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of the páramo and high Andean Forest. Based on two laboratories of agro-climate action supported by SCALA, the Guardianas del Páramo y la Acción Climática Sumapaz initiative is implemented by 15 non-government organizations thru the SGP delivery mechanism. Each of the 15 projects focuses on capacity development of local communities in territorial management to help them adapt to climate change impacts. Based on a participatory and community approach, the initiative has successfully improved agri-food sustainability and water management by restoring water reservoirs and creating greenhouse gardens. It also introduced beekeeping as an alternative livelihood option.

The pivotal role of the SGP-SCALA partnership in delivering measurable outcomes and meaningful impact was highlighted by both UNDP Colombia and SGP Colombia, with sincere appreciation by the visiting delegation.

Overall, the workshop reaffirmed the value of the IKI Interface as a space for coordination, innovation, and collective action in support of Colombia’s environmental and development goals.

Please also see the IKI post in LinkedIn.