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The document identifies a "missing middle" in climate finance—a systemic gap where mobilized funds fail to reach local and subnational actors due to bureaucratic barriers, capacity constraints, and a preference for international intermediaries. It argues that the direct access modality is a critical tool for overcoming this gap by empowering national and subnational entities. The authors highlight that while the AF has pioneered direct access, the GCF remains dominated by Multilateral Implementing Entities (MIEs), with only 16% of approved funding channeled through Direct Access Entities (DAEs) as of March 2019. The paper recommends shifting toward a principle of subsidiarity, increasing grant-based financing, and holding MIEs accountable for transferring capacity to national institutions.

The author, a negotiator for Ethiopia, details the steep learning curve for newcomers in the UNFCCC, citing complexities in scheduling, jargon, and lack of historical context. To facilitate consensus, the paper suggests enhancing capacity building through mentorship, utilizing external policy briefs and informal dialogues to build trust, and increasing the transparency of data and negotiation texts. It argues that trust, transparency, and the free flow of information are essential for parties to overcome conflicting national interests and reach multilateral agreements.