The Climate Finance Fellowship Program is designed to provide graduate students pursuing an MBA or MPA with the opportunity to work on projects and academic research focused on climate financing and sustainable development. This program aims to foster innovative solutions, encourage collaboration, and develop future leaders who can address the pressing challenges of climate change and environmental sustainability.

Program Objectives:

• Education and Skill Development: Enhance the knowledge and skills of graduate students in the fields of climate finance, sustainable development, and environmental economics.

• Project Implementation: Support and facilitate the successful execution of climate-related projects that contribute to local or global sustainable development goals.

• Networking and Collaboration: Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration among students, academics, experts, and industry professionals in the climate financing domain.

• Real-World Impact: Promote actionable research and projects that have tangible positive impacts on climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Program Components:

Application and Selection Process: 

a. Open call for applications from graduate students enrolled in MBA or MPA programs with a focus on environmental sustainability, climate change, or related fields. 

b. Selection committee comprising experts in climate finance, academia, and sustainable development will evaluate applications based on academic achievements, proposed projects, and motivation to contribute to the field. 

c. Selected fellows will receive a stipend to support their project and living expenses during the fellowship period.

Orientation and Training: 

a. Mandatory orientation to familiarize fellows with the program's objectives, expectations, and available resources. 

b. Specialized training workshops on climate finance, project management, research methodologies, and effective communication.

Project Matching: 

a. Facilitate collaboration between fellows and partner organizations, research institutions, or NGOs to align their projects with real-world needs and opportunities. 

b. Projects should address challenges related to climate financing, such as renewable energy financing, green infrastructure investments, climate risk assessment, and sustainable business models.

Mentorship and Supervision: 

a. Each fellow will be assigned a dedicated mentor from the partner organization or academic faculty to provide guidance throughout the fellowship period. 

b. Regular check-ins and progress assessments to ensure projects stay on track and provide necessary support.

Interdisciplinary Seminars and Workshops: 

a. Regular seminars, webinars, and workshops led by experts from academia, industry, and government to promote knowledge exchange and encourage cross-disciplinary discussions. 

b. Encourage fellows to share their progress and findings with the broader community.

Reporting and Presentation: 

a. Require fellows to submit a final project report and present their findings at a culminating event. 

b. Award recognition to exceptional projects and presentations.

Alumni Network: 

a. Establish an alumni network to facilitate continued collaboration, knowledge sharing, and career advancement opportunities. 

b. Encourage former fellows to mentor new participants and contribute to the program's growth and success.

The Climate Financing Fellowship Program will empower MBA and MPA graduate students to become change-makers and contribute to the urgent fight against climate change. Through this program, they will develop essential skills, collaborate with experts and organizations, and make a meaningful impact in the field of climate financing and sustainable development. This initiative aligns with the commitment to a greener, more sustainable future and reflects the university's dedication to addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Themes in Climate Finance

1. Climate-Friendly Investment Strategies: Analyzing and developing investment strategies that prioritize climate-friendly projects and companies.

2. Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Examining ways to integrate sustainability practices into supply chain management to reduce carbon emissions and promote ethical sourcing.

3. Green Bonds and Financing Instruments: Investigating the potential of green bonds and other innovative financing instruments to fund climate-related projects.

4. Circular Economy: Exploring the principles and applications of the circular economy to minimize waste and promote resource efficiency.

5. Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience: Evaluating the financial risks posed by climate change and developing strategies to enhance resilience in businesses and organizations.

6. Impact Investing for Climate Change: Studying impact investing as a means to support environmentally beneficial projects while generating financial returns.

7. Public-Private Partnerships for Climate Initiatives: Understanding the role of public-private partnerships in advancing climate financing and sustainable development efforts.

8. Carbon Pricing Mechanisms: Analyzing the effectiveness and challenges of carbon pricing mechanisms and their impact on industries and economies.

9. Green Marketing and Consumer Behavior: Examining the role of marketing in promoting sustainable products and influencing consumer behavior towards environmentally friendly choices.

10. Sustainable Urban Development: Investigating strategies for creating sustainable and resilient cities that address climate change and enhance quality of life.

11. Renewable Energy Project Financing: Evaluating different financing models for renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind power installations.

12. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems: Exploring the intersection of climate change, agriculture, and food security, and identifying sustainable practices in the agribusiness sector.

13. Climate Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encouraging the development of climate-focused startups and assessing their role in driving sustainable innovations.

14. Climate Data Analytics and Technology: Leveraging data analytics and technology to address climate challenges and support informed decision-making.

15. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Investing: Understanding the growing importance of ESG criteria in investment decisions and its impact on corporate practices.

16. Biodiversity Conservation and Corporate Responsibility: Analyzing the role of businesses in biodiversity conservation and how they can contribute to preserving ecosystems.

17. Climate Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Examining ethical considerations and responsibilities of businesses in relation to climate change and environmental sustainability.

18. Sustainable Tourism: Evaluating the impact of tourism on climate change and exploring sustainable practices to promote responsible tourism.

19. Green Innovations in Financial Products: Investigating emerging green financial products and services that promote sustainable investments.

20. Climate Diplomacy and Global Agreements: Understanding international climate agreements and the role of diplomacy in addressing global climate challenges.

Source: Bhandary, Rishikesh Ram, Kelly Sims Gallagher, and Fang Zhang. "Climate finance policy in practice: A review of the evidence." Climate Policy 21.4 (2021): 529-545. (click here)