Dr. Sam Mugume, the incoming Co-Chair from Uganda, recently took part in two critical events that underscore the intersection of climate action and fiscal policy. On the 5th of February 2025 he was the keynote speaker at the launch of an important report by UNEP and Oxford University: Enabling Adaptation: Sustainable Fiscal Policies for Climate-Resilient Development and Infrastructure. The report emphasizes that climate adaptation is not just a moral imperative; it is also an economic and fiscal necessity for developing countries and least developed countries. It highlights frameworks and strategies for managing scarce financial resources, including sustainable budgeting and risk-sensitive debt analysis. “We must also move beyond viewing resilience solely through the lens of risk management, as there are significant short-, medium-, and long-term gains from applying a "resilience-first" approach to fiscal decisions”. 

On January 21st and 22nd, 2025, he was invited as deputy from the incoming co-chair country to join distinguished speakers and delegates from around the world to discuss how we can assess and enhance national public finance management systems to better address key economic challenges and shocks resulting from climate change. The theme of the Green Public Financial Management Seminar in Kigali, Rwanda "COLLECT MORE, SPEND LESS," emphasized the importance of prudent fiscal policies for countries, while also promoting forward-thinking and wise use of resources. The challenging question is: Are developing countries ready for this? The gains, opportunities, risks, and tools were thoroughly discussed. 

“The choices we make now can lay the foundation for resilient economies and equitable societies for generations to come.  As public finance managers we should understand our unique position to help accelerate a just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy through public financial management, macroeconomic and fiscal policy; and where applicable, financial regulation. As Uganda assumes the role of Co-Chair of the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action, we are committed to leading this effort with humility and determination”.