News facts
Incheon, Republic of Korea, 22 April 2026 — The Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) today announced the election of Ketevan Vardosanidze of Georgia as Chair of its Advisory Board and Kaoru Yamaguchi of Japan as Vice-Chair. The appointments were confirmed at the conclusion of the 27th Advisory Board meeting, held from 17 to 22 April 2026 in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
The newly elected leadership marks a significant milestone for the CTCN, with both positions held by women, underscoring the inclusive approach in CTCN leadership in advancing climate technology development and transfer.
Ketevan brings extensive experience in climate policy and governance, having supported Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture since 2017. Her work has contributed to the development of key national frameworks, including the Climate Change Strategy 2030, its Action Plan, and successive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). She has also supported the establishment of Georgia’s Climate Change Council and contributed to the development of the country’s draft Climate Law.
“The energy transition must be not only ambitious, but fair. As we accelerate climate action, we must ensure that technologies and policies deliver tangible benefits for communities across all regions,” said Ketevan. “I look forward to strengthening collaboration across the CTCN Network to support inclusive and effective climate solutions.”
Kaoru Yamaguchi serves as Deputy Director at the Global Environment Centre (GEC), where she supports Japan’s Article 6.2 cooperative approach programme in partnership with 32 countries. She has over seven years of experience participating in UNFCCC negotiations, with a focus on technology transfer.
“I look forward to serving as Vice-Chair at a time when CTCN is expanding partnerships both within and beyond the UNFCCC,” said Yamaguchi. “Strengthening enabling environments for technology uptake and bridging early-stage support to large-scale implementation will be critical to delivering meaningful impact.”
The Advisory Board meeting highlighted continued progress in implementing the CTCN’s Programme of Work and strengthening its role in facilitating climate technology deployment in developing countries. A key milestone announced during the joint session on Friday was the mobilization of USD 43.6 million from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), enabled through CTCN-supported technical assistance as part of a broader USD 96.9 million programme led by Kenya Commercial Bank. This represents the first instance where CTCN support to a Direct Access Entity has contributed directly to securing full-scale GCF financing.
Throughout the meeting, Advisory Board members reviewed progress across core areas, including technical assistance delivery, engagement with National Designated Entities (NDEs), and implementation of major programmes such as the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator. Discussions also addressed gender mainstreaming, research and development activities, and progress under the 2023–2027 Resource Mobilization and Partnership Strategy.
The Board endorsed the CTCN’s 2025 financial statement and advanced work on strengthening the Network through the development of a Network Engagement Strategy.
The meeting brought together representatives from Parties, UNFCCC constituted bodies, observer organizations, and key stakeholders, reflecting the breadth of collaboration underpinning the CTCN’s work.
Advisory Board members welcomed the newly elected Chair and Vice-Chair, noting that their combined experience in policy, international cooperation, and climate technology will support the CTCN in further enhancing its impact.