Within Reach

This working paper analyzes the tension between country ownership and accountability in climate finance. It argues that while financial management in many developing countries is strong, results-based management and social safeguards need improvement. The paper proposes three models of finance delivery—contributor-centered, shared, and full recipient ownership—and advocates for strengthening national systems over creating parallel international structures to increase development impact.

• Developing countries are seeking increased ownership and decision-making power regarding climate finance. Evidence from official development assistance indicates that impact is greater when support aligns with national development plans and is delivered via country institutions and fiduciary systems.
• While many developing countries are creating climate policies and reforming institutions, there is often limited integration of climate planning into national budgeting and broader development planning. There is a noted need for participatory processes to define priorities and better integration between climate and development budgeting.
• Accountability systems in developing countries vary: financial management systems are often reasonably strong, sometimes matching those of developed nations, but systems for managing results are frequently poorly developed. Environmental safeguards generally perform better than social safeguards.
• The document identifies three models for balancing ownership and accountability: an 'emphasis on accountability model' (contributor-centered, suitable for post-conflict or highly corrupt states), a 'transitional shared ownership and accountability model' (partial ownership, pragmatic for various contexts), and a 'full recipient country ownership and accountability model' (the ideal state where national institutions have full control and accountability).
• Country ownership is defined by three elements: alignment with national strategies, decision-making power within national institutions, and the use of national accountability systems. Effective accountability requires systems for results management, sound fiduciary practices, and robust environmental and social safeguards.

APA

World Resources Institute (n.d.). Within Reach. https://www.wri.org/research/within-reach

Chicago

World Resources Institute. Within Reach. n.d. https://www.wri.org/research/within-reach.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=World Resources Institute |title=Within Reach |url=https://www.wri.org/research/within-reach |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{worldresourcesinstitutendwithin, author = {{World Resources Institute}}, title = {{Within Reach}}, institution = {World Resources Institute}, url = {https://www.wri.org/research/within-reach}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }