Who Sets the Agenda? Global South Leadership on Climate
As climate risks intensify and development pressures grow, a fundamental question is coming into sharper focus: who sets the agenda for global climate action?
The Global South is often framed as the recipient of climate finance, policy, and expertise. Yet governments, negotiators, community leaders, philanthropic actors, and social movements across the Global South are increasingly shaping the priorities that drive international climate and development debates. At the same time, many countries face rising debt burdens, limited fiscal space, and urgent demands for economic growth and human development—realities that are often underrepresented in global climate discussions.
This conversation will explore how Global South actors are influencing climate governance, finance, and multilateral negotiations, and what it would take to translate greater participation into greater agenda-setting power. From South-South collaboration and locally led funding models to the politics of development and climate ambition, participants will examine how decisions are made, whose interests they reflect, and where influence is shifting.
At a moment when the legitimacy and effectiveness of climate action are under increasing scrutiny, understanding who shapes the agenda may be as important as the agenda itself.
Discussion Group Leader
Carolina Calzolari Antonio is Legal & Policy Consultant at Independent Consultant, advancing climate action through strategy, governance, policy, and stakeholder engagement.
Harshita Jain is Co-Founder of MASH, advancing sustainable development through strategic communications, partnerships, and systems change.
Tonthoza Uganja is Founder of Sustainable Farming Solutions, restoring African landscapes through carbon-funded agroforestry and farmer-led climate resilience initiatives.
Vivek Anandan is Founder of Anvaya Impact Labs, strengthening public institutions and climate initiatives through evidence-driven strategy and systems reform.
Jonathas Azevedo is Executive Director at Rede Comuá / The Global South House, advancing community-led philanthropy and social justice across the Global South.
Discussion Questions
What would it take for Global South countries and institutions to move from participating in climate negotiations to shaping their priorities and outcomes?
How can climate action align with the fiscal, development, and political realities facing many Global South governments
Which forms of South-South collaboration are most effective in influencing global climate, finance, and development decision-making?
How can climate and nature finance better reflect the priorities, leadership, and accountability of communities and institutions in the Global South?"