October 13-15, 2025
Innovation Spotlight 2025 is a learning-and-sharing platform for innovation. Organized by the Adaptation Fund as part of Adaptation Futures 2025, it brings together a wide network of stakeholders, partners and communities. This time the focus will be on Indigenous, community and locally led innovation, as well as innovative solutions suitable for local contexts and communities.
The Fund has a rich history of pioneering innovative approaches in adaptation. In 2018 it established its Innovation Facility to innovate and accelerate technologies and practices that support those most vulnerable to climate change. A series of events that the Fund started at Adaptation Futures in Montreal in 2023, Innovation Spotlight showcases the Fund’s work in innovation and the important role it plays to help create a wider and diverse base of effective, scalable adaptation solutions and make innovation in adaptation thrive.
Find recordings of the AF events.
Adaptation Fund’s Innovation Spotlight 2025
Reimagining Futures: Innovation for a Climate-challenged World
Adaptation Fund’s Innovation Spotlight Playbook 2025
Innovation Spotlight 1: Currents of Change: From the Pacific to the World
An inspiring spotlight showcasing Indigenous, community and locally led innovation for climate adaptation, with a deep dive into Pacific and New Zealand solutions that spark impact far beyond their shores.
Incorporates the opportunity to experience serious gaming for adaptation, and open discussion spaces.
- Date: October 13, Monday, 16:00 PM – 17:45 PM NZST (UTC+12)
- Location: Te Pae Christchurch Centre, Exhibition Hall 4
- Speakers
Innovation Spotlight 2: Cityscapes and Seascapes: Blueprints for Resilient Living
A global dialogue on advancing urban and water infrastructure through nature-based solutions, inclusive policies, and innovative leadership.
Incorporates the opportunity to experience story sharing spaces, and open dialogue.
- Date: October 14, Tuesday, 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM NZST (UTC+12)
- Location: Te Pae Christchurch Centre, Exhibition Hall 4
- Speakers
Innovation Spotlight 3: Culture for Innovation: Adapting with Warm Data
Exploring how warm data, Indigenous knowledge, and space-generated insights drive innovative, community and locally-led adaptation—empowering youth and upskilling communities to lead change.
Incorporates the opportunity to experience behavior change tools and youth participatory methods.
- Date: October 14, Tuesday, 15.45 PM – 17.15 PM NZST (UTC+12)
- Location: Te Pae Christchurch Centre, Exhibition Hall 4
- Speakers
Innovation Spotlight 4: Regeneration for Resilience: Designing with Nature
Reimagining innovation through Indigenous and local knowledge, with Pacific voices and global examples showcasing food system resilience, ecosystem regeneration, and community-driven adaptation supported by tailored finance.
Incorporates the opportunity to experience Indigenous craft methods, and facilitated deep discussion spaces.
- Date: October 15, Wednesday, 10:45 AM – 12:15 AM NZST (UTC+12)
- Location: Te Pae Christchurch Centre, Exhibition Hall 4
- Speakers
Innovation Spotlight 5: The Next Wave: Building Momentum
A closing showcase of spotlight outcomes, blending Pacific song, art, and innovative communication methods to share messages of hope and inspire collective action.
- Date: October 15, Wednesday, 13.45 PM – 15.15 PM NZST (UTC+12)
- Location: Te Pae Christchurch Centre, Exhibition Hall 4
- Speakers
Related Exhibits
Adaptation Fund Exhibit Booth
- Date: October 13-15
- Location: Exhibition Hall, Booth No. 18 & 19
The booth will feature multimedia materials showcasing the Fund’s adaptation work in the Pacific and SIDS. It will also include a photo exhibit showcasing the Fund’s innovation in adaptation work with key partners through the Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA).
Virtual Photo Exhibit: Spotlight on Innovation
Experience the power of climate innovation through a stunning virtual photo exhibit by the Adaptation Fund! Spotlight on Innovation showcases real stories of resilience — from climate-smart farming to ecosystem restoration — all led by communities adapting to climate change.
- Date: October 13–15, 2025
- Location: Dobson 3
- Co-hosted by Adaptation Fund, UNDP & UNEP-CTCN
Related News and Links
- Project Story: How Vanuatu is Facing Up to Rising Climate Risks
- Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator (AFCIA) : UNDP Project Stories
- Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator : UNEP-CTCN Programme