With the aim of populating the “what”, “who” and “how” of a “blue finance roadmap”, breakout groups were asked to consider what actions should be taken to meet blue financing needs and which stakeholder should take what action. Based on the discussions during the previous sessions, participants worked in breakout groups to identify:
- how to achieve the blue financing that had been discussed;
- the role of different stakeholder groups.
The following issues were identified by the breakout groups.
How do we achieve the financing discussed previously?
Strengthen Capacity & Knowledge
- Build financial, technical, and project structuring skills across SIDS institutions
- Use Centres of Excellence, regional bodies, and technical assistance
- Invest in long-term in-house expertise
Engage the Private Sector More Effectively
- Create structured dialogue platforms with investors and credit rating agencies
- Upskill investors on SIDS realities and blue economy value
- Use evidence, case studies, and storytelling to build confidence
Improve Risk Mitigation & De Risking
- Integrate risk analysis into project design
- Use blended finance, guarantees, and donor/MDB support tailored to SIDS and the blue economy
- Provide clear guidance, modelling, and best practice frameworks
Build on Existing Regional Strengths
- Leverage existing SIDS institutions and initiatives
- Align with ongoing work across MDBs, philanthropies, CSOs, and development partners
- Maintain political will, timelines, and urgency.
Participants identified the following roles for stakeholders:
SIDS Governments
- Lead coordination, articulate priorities and build internal capacity.
- Develop strong project pipelines and provide clear policy signals.
Development Partners & Donors
- Provide technical assistance, concessional finance and de risking tools tailored to SIDS.
- Support capacity building, exchanges and investor engagement.
MDBs, IFIs & Regional Institutions
- Offer blended finance and structuring support which might involve a layered capital structure in which concessional finance absorbs risk (through FLDR) to mobilise additional private investment.
- Share best practices and strengthen regional platforms.
Private Sector
- Engage proactively with governments.
- Invest in understanding SIDS contexts and participate in co investment.
Research, Academia & CSOs
- Generate evidence and policy advice.
- Support community engagement, training and evaluation.