On October 25, 2024, the Chinese Academy of Financial Inclusion (CAFI) at Renmin University of China hosted a lecture titled “International Cases of Climate Change and Sustainable Rural Development, and the Role of International Organizations.” Experts from the Academy, university students, the specialist in the blue economy, and the representative from the Chinese Society for Urban Studies attended the workshop both online and offline. Daria Gerasimenko, Assistant Researcher in the International Cooperation and Research Department at the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF) at the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE), was invited to attend and participate in the discussions.
This lecture examined the crucial relationship between climate change adaptation and sustainable rural development from a global perspective, placing particular emphasis on how international organizations can facilitate necessary changes. Ms. Vandana Thottoli, Business Development Advisor at the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development, shared multiple case studies from Asia and Africa to demonstrate how innovative financial solutions and digital transformation can empower rural communities to enhance climate resilience. She highlighted the key role of multi-stakeholder collaboration in international sustainable development initiatives.

Daria Gerasimenko discussed the fundamental principles and important policies guiding the development of green and inclusive finance in China. She cited several practical cases from rural financial institutions to illustrate how inclusive finance and green finance tools can be applied to promote rural revitalization and development. Additionally, she emphasized the importance of learning from international best practices as well as successful local examples, stressing the crucial role of knowledge sharing and capacity-building initiatives among various stakeholders in advancing inclusive finance.

CAFI focuses on the development and advancement of inclusive finance. By leveraging domestic and international resource advantages, it engages in foundational and forward-looking work in various aspects of inclusive finance, including policy advocacy, research consulting, exchange and cooperation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and innovative practices. CAFI provides theoretical research support, decision analysis, market insights, and experimental practices for policymakers, researchers, and industry practitioners.

IIGF, CUFE aims to enhance its communication and collaboration with CAFI by facilitating knowledge exchange and experience sharing in inclusive finance and initiatives through regular seminars, joint research, and capacity-building efforts. Both parties can collaboratively explore viable solutions and practical applications aimed at achieving accessible finance for all, working together to advance the process of inclusive development.