Co-creating strategic national financial protection is essential to build long-term resilience, protect lives and livelihoods, and promote inclusive development. Governments face increasing pressure to safeguard communities and economies from the growing frequency and intensity of climate-related shocks. Effective strategies must integrate social protection, disaster risk financing, and climate adaptation into national development planning. This includes ensuring that social safety nets are robust, financial systems are well-regulated, and access to financial services is inclusive and equitable.

We at MCII support countries to develop such strategies for collaboration across sectors and levels of government. Risk financing instruments must be used in a complementary way—aligned with development goals and adapted to the specific risk profiles of each country. Successful approaches reduce risks before disasters occur, while also ensuring that systems are in place to provide timely and adequate support when shocks happen. From a disaster risk finance perspective, strategies should be fully resourced and risk-layered.

A central element of this work is co-creation. National strategies are most effective when developed in close consultation with local decision-makers and stakeholders. By grounding these efforts in local knowledge and aligning with broader national priorities, financial protection systems become more targeted, responsive, and sustainable. Strategic, collaborative planning enhances the ability of countries to manage climate risks and supports a pathway toward long-term resilience and wellbeing.