A Milestone Gathering at Mansion House: Launch of the NDF Impact Report 2024
Mark Rüegg, CEO CelsiusPro Group
CelsiusPro Group was honoured to host a landmark event at Mansion House to launch the Natural Disaster Fund (NDF) Impact Report 2024. The gathering brought together leaders from disaster risk finance, development, and insurance to reflect on the NDF’s progress and explore what’s needed to close the global protection gap.
In his opening remarks, CelsiusPro CEO Mark Rueegg acknowledged the stark reality that the world is on track to miss the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target, and emphasised the urgency of scaling inclusive, market-based solutions to protect those most exposed to climate risk. He underscored the NDF’s role in mobilising capital, enabling innovation, and building long-term partnerships across sectors to drive systemic change.
The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Alastair King DL, delivered a keynote address, noting the growing need for financial innovation to meet the challenges of global resilience. The agenda featured rich discussions on blended finance, premium subsidies, and the NDF’s expanding Technical Assistance Facility, set against the backdrop of London Climate Action Week.
This year’s NDF Impact Report highlights the fund’s growing reach and relevance:
36.3 million poor and vulnerable beneficiaries covered
USD 61 million in private sector capacity leveraged
USD 20.9 million in payouts triggered
Designed for speed, equity, and scale, the NDF continues to demonstrate what’s possible when pre-arranged risk transfer solutions are deployed through trusted, cross-sector collaboration.
Participants included senior representatives from the UK Government (FCDO), the German government’s KfW on behalf of BMZ, Hannover Re, World Food Programme, CCRIF, UNICEF, and the Global Shield against Climate Risks. The event fostered meaningful dialogue and strong engagement throughout the day.
We are grateful to all who joined us at Mansion House. The conversations and connections made will help shape the continued evolution of the NDF and its mission to support the most vulnerable.