From Malawi to Timor-Leste: Change in continuity for LIFE-AR leadership

As LIFE‑AR gathers in Bonn on Thursday 22 and Friday 23 January, the Initiative marks an important moment of continuity and collective leadership: the formal handover of the LIFE‑AR Chair from Malawi to Timor‑Leste. This transition reflects the strength of the LDC community’s shared vision for advancing locally led adaptation and ensuring that countries continue to guide the Initiative’s strategic direction.

Over the past year, Malawi has played a central role in steering LIFE‑AR’s priorities and deepening collaboration across LDCs. As Timor‑Leste assumes the Chair, the Initiative looks ahead to the next phase of ambition, learning, and partnership.

The reflections below capture remarks from the outgoing Chair and the incoming Chair as they share their perspectives on the journey so far and the path ahead.

By Evans Njewa, previous LDC Chair and Chair of the LIFE-AR Board

As I reflect on my tenure as Chair of LIFE‑AR, I am proud of the collective progress we have made in strengthening LDC leadership on climate adaptation and resilience. Over this period, we have reached several important milestones: deepening country engagement, advancing the development of the LIFE‑AR Facility, and demonstrating the power of locally led adaptation to deliver lasting, community‑driven resilience.

One of the most meaningful aspects of this role has been witnessing how LIFE‑AR has evolved from a shared vision into an increasingly coordinated and country‑driven initiative – with concrete investments behind communities' needs. Our countries have developed long-term climate resilience strategies, strengthened national systems, and shown the international community what effective, predictable, and locally led adaptation finance can look like when it is guided by the priorities of the most climate‑vulnerable people.

Through this journey, several lessons stand out. First, investing in country systems is critical: when LDC institutions lead, the quality, ownership and impact of adaptation actions increase dramatically. Second, genuine partnerships that are grounded in trust, transparency, and respect for LDC leadership are essential for scaling this work. Finally, the momentum behind LIFE‑AR has been strongest when countries share learning with each other, demonstrating the strength of our collective knowledge and capabilities.

As LIFE‑AR enters its next phase under new leadership, I am confident that the Initiative is well positioned to deepen its impact. My hope is that it continues to champion long-term, locally led approaches; to secure more predictable climate finance for LDCs; and to demonstrate that resilience-building led by the most affected communities is not only effective, but transformational.

It has been an honour to help guide LIFE‑AR through this chapter, and I look forward to seeing the Initiative continue to grow as a powerful example of LDC leadership in action.

By Ambassador Adão Saores Barbosa, new LDC Chair and current Chair of the LIFE-AR Board

I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of LIFE‑AR at this important moment for our collective efforts as Least Developed Countries. LIFE‑AR holds a special significance for me because it represents an initiative created and led by LDCs themselves; it is a demonstration of our determination to chart our own path toward climate‑resilient development. LDC initiatives, such as LIFE-AR, are fundamental in realising our 2050 vision for climate resilient people, landscapes and economies.

As I begin my tenure, my priority is to build on the strong foundations already established. I aim to guide LIFE‑AR through its next phase as it evolves with a new strategy into a fully LDC‑owned and LDC‑led facility, strengthening the systems and partnerships that allow our countries to plan, deliver and scale locally led adaptation. I am particularly committed to ensuring that the voices and priorities of the communities most affected by climate impacts remain at the centre of the Initiative’s work.

LDC leadership has always been essential to shaping LIFE‑AR’s mandate, and this leadership will only grow more important as the climate crisis intensifies. I believe LIFE‑AR can continue to show what ambitious, country‑driven and community‑centred climate action looks like, demonstrating that LDCs are leaders in building a resilient and climate‑secure future.