Meridiam was founded in 2005 by Thierry Déau, with the belief that the alignment of interests between the public and private sector can provide critical solutions to the collective needs of communities.
Meridiam is an independent investment Benefit Corporation and an asset manager. The firm specializes in the development, financing, and long-term management of sustainable public infrastructure in three core sectors: sustainable mobility, critical public services and innovative low carbon solutions.
With offices in Addis Ababa, Amman, Dakar, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Libreville, Luxembourg, Paris, Vienna and Washington, Meridiam manages over US$22 billion and more than 125 projects to date. Meridiam is certified ISO 9001: 2015, Advanced Sustainability Rating by VigeoEiris (Moody’s), ISO 37001 Anti-Corruption certification by AFNOR and applies a unique methodology in relation to ESG and impact based on United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Meridiam launched the Urban Resilience Fund (TURF), an innovative investment vehicle designed to enhance urban resilience against climate change and socio-economic challenges. Created in partnership with the Rockefeller Foundation and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), TURF addresses the urgent need for sustainable urban transitions.
TURF focuses on developing and financing infrastructure projects that meet immediate needs while fostering long-term adaptability and sustainability. It targets urban areas in Europe and in Africa, investing in renewable energy, climate adaptation, green buildings, sustainable transportation systems and water management.
TURF works with public sector stakeholders to unlock projects, bringing both Meridiam’s extensive project development experience, and early stage financial support through its catalytic financing facility.
TURF aligns with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN SDGs, emphasizing climate action, sustainable cities, and resilient infrastructure.
CCFLA members can learn about Meridiam’s activities through its website, social media channel, and newsletters.
In terms of collaboration, Meridiam is already working with some CCFLA members and welcomes opportunities to scale up partnerships. Potential areas of collaboration include :
- Scaling up project preparation activities led by CCFLA members on urban projects in Europe and Africa. Through TURF’s Catalytic Fund, Meridiam can provide support during the preparation phase of projects of interest for TURF and subject to specific conditions and criteria.
- Analyzing pipelines of projects proposed by CCFLA members for potential co-investment, if they align with TURF’s objectives and thesis of investment.
- Exchanging knowledge and experiences on the topics related to infrastructure financing in cities.
I stay informed through the work of city networks (such as FMDV, ICLEI, and C40), think tanks and other Multi-stakeholders coalitions such as Finance in Common Summit: their publications, events, and programs are valuable to access to information on this sector. Additionally, I engage in regular bilateral exchanges with ministers, mayors, development finance institutions (DFIs), and other stakeholders active in the sector.
CCFLA has provided significant values to Meridiam in several ways:
- Access to a unique and extensive network of stakeholders, including DFIs, multilateral development banks (MDBs), UN agencies, city networks, coalitions, think tanks, and philanthropies. This network facilitates interaction, information exchanges, and action-oriented partnerships.
- Deliverables such as publications, events, and programs, including the Project Preparation Facility Connector or the annual report on the State of Cities Climate Finance.
Our CEO, Thierry DEAU, has contributed to various high-level CCFLA events, sharing insights and experiences from Meridiam’s work in public infrastructure and urban investment. Additionally, Meridiam’s teams have actively participated in CCFLA working groups, enriching our understanding of the sector while sharing our perspectives.