Join us for a high-level policy dialogue showcasing the transformative leadership of Global South nations in driving the international climate agenda. This timely event brings together distinguished leaders, diplomats, and climate experts to explore how developing countries have evolved from participants to pioneers in global climate governance.
- When: 21 July 2025; 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
- Venue: UN Secretariat, Conference Room 12
- Co- Organizers: UNOSSC and Chair of G77 and China
- Partners: President the High-Level Committee on South South Cooperation; Permanent Missions to the UN of the Kingdom of Morocco, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Federative Republic of Brazil; UNFCCC and UNDP
- Register here
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Watch the dialogue live at UN Web TV
Introduction
The world stands at a critical juncture in the fight against climate change. While this global challenge affects all nations, its impacts are disproportionately felt by countries of the Global South due to limited resources, vulnerable infrastructure, and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors. Yet, remarkably, these same nations have emerged as powerful leaders in international climate governance, demonstrating that leadership is not defined by economic resources alone, but by vision, determination, and innovative solutions.
From the implementation focus of COP22 in Marrakech to the ambitious sustainability agenda planned for COP30 in Belem, Global South nations have consistently driven breakthrough agreements, pioneered innovative approaches, and built crucial consensus on the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. This transformation from climate-vulnerable participants to climate-action leaders represents one of the most significant shifts in international environmental diplomacy.
Objectives of the event
It’s against this background that the Chair of G77 and China together with the UN Office for South-South Cooperation are jointly organizing, in the margins of the HLPF, a high-level policy dialogue entitled: “From Marrakech to Belem; Global South’s role in shaping the climate agenda and Accelerating Climate Innovation”. The aim is to showcase the role and leadership of the global South in the climate talks with the dual challenges of (i) aligning the needs/priorities of the developing countries while maintaining a balanced and inclusive negotiation process; (ii) discussing different experiences related to the above-mentioned hosting challenges.
During the session participants would have the opportunity to discuss and compile the lessons learnt from the Global South leading COP Presidencies but most importantly provide innovative avenues for climate solutions in this era of digital and AI building on successful initiatives from the South. It would also serve as a learning platform on hosting processes for the future COPs presidencies (mainly from the Global South) but also an opportunity for participants to exchange on best ways to unleash the creative leadership of the Global South to build consensus around issues of global concern.