Channeling new financial resources quickly to countries in need is a top priority for parties under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Yet, despite the pledges made at Copenhagen, little attention has been given to the principles of how this new climate finance should be mobilised, administered and disbursed. Adopting an explicit framework of principles already embedded within the international negotiations would help track and monitor this funding. In this way, trust could be restored in the ability of developed countries to help meet the needs of developing countries, as the latter respond to the challenges set by climate change on their sustainable development.