2A Why Stronger Green PSD programmes Aren't Getting Off The Ground — and What Needs To Change In How They Are Commissioned

This session will explore why few green PSD programmes are considered successful and what is preventing donors and implementers from moving past incremental greening of existing portfolios toward programmes that genuinely shift markets. The focus is on the commissioning and design bottleneck: structural disconnects within donor agencies between climate/environment and PSD funding streams, the absence of climate expertise in early-stage design processes, and the lack of strategic clarity on whether a programme is targeting mitigation or adaptation, outputs or processes, and what the actual business incentive is. Alongside fresh perspectives from bilateral donors and other funders with a focus on a green and just transition, this session will feature voices from climate-focused experts and practitioners who can challenge our thinking on what credible green programme design requires.