Glossary

Sovereign insurance

Sovereign insurance is insurance coverage purchased by a national government to protect its budget against the financial impacts of disasters. Under these arrangements, the government pays a premium and receives a payout when a predefined disaster trigger is met

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This working paper presents a framework that compares contingent loans, grants from multilateral development banks, catastrophe bonds, and insurance provided through regional risk pools.

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other key terms

Climate resilient debt clause or 'debt pause clause'

A provision in sovereign debt contracts that enables the borrower to temporarily stop repaying debt service for a pre-agreed period when a predefined event occurs.

Cost multiple

The cost multiple measures the average amount a government pays to receive USD 1 of payout from a financing instrument over its lifetime.

Crisis

A situation where severe needs overwhelm local and national capacity to respond effectively.

Contingent loan (or credit) and grants

A pre approved loan or grant released automatically when agreed crisis conditions or triggers are met.

Total crisis financing

Development funding focused mainly on crisis prevention, preparedness and response activities.

Financial Flows

Financial flows refer to the movement of funds for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and response, covering planned and unplanned sources.