Reflecting as we go: More lessons from designing and delivering CDKN’s knowledge brokering workshops 2025 was a busy year for CDKN in strengthening our knowledge-brokering capacities. Lucia Scodanibbio reflects on the lessons from our first two workshops in 2024 to deliver five more in 2025, shifting our attention to young people. As the year drew to a close, we took stock of these experiences and found many rich lessons emerging.

CDKN CEO ⁠Shehnaaz Moosa reflects on COP30 outcomes Taking place in Belém, Brazil – enveloped by the moist and humid air of the Amazon rainforest, the world’s largest green lung – this year’s COP had a distinctly different character from the three preceding COPs, says CDKN CEO Shehnaaz Moosa.

CDKN at COP30 As the world’s climate leadership gathers in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, CDKN and its partners are shaping conversations on adaptation and resilience, placing the knowledge and leadership of the Global South at the centre of resilient approaches to climate adaptation challenges.

Beyond the mitigation-adaptation binary: How funders can embrace the Resilience Continuum For far too long, philanthropy has been approaching intervention on the climate crisis from a series of binaries – adaptation vs mitigation, immediate vs long-term, etc. As we hurtle toward static solutions in the midst of climate devastation and polycrisis, we should be considering what it means to work along Resilience Continuum. This is an abridged version of an article originally published in Alliance Magazine.

T20 Policy brief: Pathways to integrating adaptation and resilience into financial transition plans for climate-resilient development South African think tank initiative, T20, which is providing guidance to South Africa’s G20 presidency, has published a short policy brief calling for a shift in transition finance priorities as part of its accelerating climate action and the just energy transition taskforce. The brief was written by SSN programme leads Samson Mbewe and Phatsimo Rahman, Mairi Dupar, senior technical advisor for CDKN, based at ODI Global (UK), and SSN and CDKN director Dr Shehnaaz Moosa.

Brokering justice in a changing climate: Amplifying African youth voices as pathways for transformation On this International Youth Day, we celebrate African youth across the continent that are stepping forward to advocate for transformative climate justice through storytelling, creative media, and community-led projects. From mental health awareness in Ghana to Indigenous gardening in South Africa and eco-feminist art in Uganda, these 12 young leaders are helping reshape policy, culture, and practice. The following blog, authored by Zizipho Royi and Nadia Sitas, demonstrates that resilient and equitable climate futures become possible when youth are treated as active agents of change.

CDKN at Rise Africa Festival 2025 The Rise Africa Festival 2025 takes place in Cape Town, South Africa, from 25-29 May. CDKN will be co-convening a two-day workshop on 29 and 30 May to explore human rights-based approaches (HRBA) for biodiversity and climate action in cities.

What do knowledge brokers working on locally-led adaptation need to get right to enhance their impact? This was one of the questions we posed to project partners involved in the Step Change initiative, who recently met in Arusha, Tanzania. CDKN facilitated a session using the 'All hands on deck' card game to bring out the most important aspects of their knowledge brokering approaches.

Landmark science-policy assessment highlights the importance of integrated strategies in addressing interlinked global crises CDKN's EbA lead, Nadia Sitas, was a coordinating lead author and part of the negotiation team for the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Nexus Assessment. She reports on the latest global assessments, which were approved in December 2024.

'All hands on deck' knowledge brokering card game This set of reflection cards was developed to facilitate more dynamic, playful meetings that focus on serious issues. The cards have multiple uses, from being a tool to surface challenges, solutions or priorities - at an individual or organisational level - to being a game that can be played to share deeper reflections or conversations about what matters in our work.

Reflecting as we go: Lessons from CDKN’s open call for locally-led adaptation initiatives in Africa CDKN is providing Knowledge-to-Action (K2A) grants in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In Africa, an open call for locally-led adaptation (LLA) initiatives and a comprehensive selection process led to five K2A projects being chosen who received US$150,000 each in Benin, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique and South Sudan. We intentionally adopted a learning approach and here we share our insights from the selection process.

Unlocking the potential of locally-led action: Anticipating the IPBES transformative and nexus assessments Two upcoming assessments by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) hold the promise of transformative ecosystem based solutions that are evidence-based and agreed on through multilateral science-policy processes.

How do we surface and address power dynamics for more inclusive and equitable co-creation processes? The CDKN and CLARE teams share some collective knowledge on holding co-creation processes with diverse participants, particularly when it comes to surfacing and addressing power dynamics.

CDKN reacts to the COP29 outcomes CDKN's CEO, Shehnaaz Moosa, reacts to the COP29 outcomes agreed in Baku over the last two weeks, particularly the new global finance goal, which falls far short of what developing countries urgently need. The deal leaves a big “out” and does not sound like the leadership we need to right historic climate injustices.

New knowledge brief demonstrates the value of ecosystem-based adaptation across the Rio Conventions At the recent Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the Friends of Ecosystem-based Adaptation (FEBA) released a knowledge brief illustrating how EbA supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Empowering youth for climate action: Reflections from RCOY Zambia On Children and Youth day at COP29, CDKN’s Youth Co-Lead, Zizipho Royi, reflects on her experience at the Regional Conference of Youth in Zambia earlier this year. The conference offered a valuable opportunity to connect with youth leaders who are driving climate action at the local level.

CDKN’s knowledge brokering support to UNFCCC’s Needs-Based Finance project recognised in Adaptation Gap report The UN Environment Programme released its annual Adaptation Gap report last week, which calls for a dramatic increase in adaptation finance. As world leaders gather in Baku for COP29, the need for urgent climate finance is high on the agenda, especially for adaptation.

Advancing equitable ecosystem-based adaptation work: Reflections from COP16 Following a busy COP16, CDKN’s Thematic Leads on Ecosystem-based Adaptation and Finance reflect on what they see as the key outcomes, concerns and next steps for advancing more equitable ecosystem-based adaptation work from local to global levels.

Not Without Us! Youth Leading the Charge: Reflections from RCOY Africa The recent RCOY Africa conference was a powerful testament to young African activists' passion, commitment, and resilience. Over 210 young leaders from 40 countries came together, driven by a shared determination to confront the climate crisis.

Democratising knowledge for transformative climate action Making knowledge systems more diverse to meet the needs of multiple stakeholders and audiences has been at the forefront of the climate change conversations, especially for adaptation. This blog explores how knowledge brokering could be co-created in an inclusive and innovative manner for resilience building at the local level.

CDKN at CBD COP16: Championing integrated and just biodiversity and climate action CDKN looks forward to attending COP16 in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November. Our focus will be on promoting gender equality and social inclusion in biodiversity and climate policies.

Reflexionando sobre la marcha: lecciones aprendidas del diseño y la facilitación de los talleres de intermediación del conocimiento de CDKN La líder de aprendizaje de CDKN, Lucia Scodanibbio, reflexiona sobre lo que ha descubierto hasta ahora al desarrollar y facilitar los primeros talleres de intermediación de conocimiento de la tercera fase de CDKN. Ella explica cómo el enfoque de CDKN ha pasado de compartir contenido de intermediación de conocimientos a facilitar conversaciones interactivas y dinámicas que fomentan el aprendizaje entre pares.

Pre-COP29 briefing webinar: Women’s empowerment in the context of climate ambition Join a GLOW webinar on 23rd October to hear how diverse actors are building capacity on gender-responsive climate action, and the opportunities for just transitions to low-carbon, climate-resilient economies in specific countries and regions.

Empowering women in just transitions: Insights from the GLOW programme This report, available in English, French and Spanish, summarises learning from the Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World (GLOW) programme on common challenges and promising solutions for advancing women’s empowerment in low-carbon transitions.

GLOW at New York Climate Week 2024 As part of New York Climate Week, the GLOW programme is hosting an event on women’s economic empowerment for unlocking just transitions. Join us in-person or online on Monday 23rd September at 11-12.30 EDT.

International organisations join forces to boost South–South cooperation – with a focus on Africa SouthSouthNorth has joined the Global Landscapes Forum as a Charter Member. The organisations will address their alliance at GLF Africa 2024, the continent’s largest conference on ecological restoration this year, in Nairobi, Kenya, on the 17th September 2024.

Reflecting as we go – Lessons from designing and delivering CDKN’s knowledge brokering workshops CDKN Learning Lead, Lucia Scodanibbio, reflects on what she’s discovered so far from developing and facilitating the first knowledge brokering workshops of the third phase of CDKN.

El viaje (en curso) hacia la experiencia con las tarjetas "Manos a la Obra" La Líder de Aprendizaje de CDKN, Lucía Scodanibbio, describe la evolución del juego de las tarjetas de reflexión para la intermediación del conocimiento, que han sido desarrolladas para facilitar reuniones más dinámicas y lúdicas, sin perder de vista temas importantes.

Arranque del proyecto en la Comunidad Campesina de Samanga con el Fondo Regional del Agua – FORASAN FORASAN y FFLA-CDKN, en conjunto con una serie de aliados, entre los que figuran el Proyecto Infraestructura Natural para la Seguridad Hídrica (INSH), la Autoridad Nacional del Agua, la Municipalidad Provincial de Ayabaca, la Ronda de Mujeres de Espíndola y la Institución Educativa Remberto Pardo Ochoa, implementarán durante los próximos dieciocho meses este proyecto.

The (ongoing) journey to the ‘All hands on deck’ card experience CDKN’s Learning Lead, Lucia Scodanibbio, describes the evolution of the knowledge brokering reflection cards that have been developed to facilitate more dynamic, playful meetings that yet focus on serious issues.

Lanzamiento del Proyecto de Conservación del Bofedal Yanasenega para la Seguridad Hídrica de Lima por AQUAFONDO y FFLA-CDKN El 16 de mayo, en San Pedro de Casta, Huarochirí, más de treinta líderes locales, agricultores y autoridades se reunieron para dar inicio al proyecto "Protección y conservación del bofedal Yanasenega". El taller permitió identificar amenazas climáticas y planificar actividades de protección del bofedal, mejora del pastoreo e inclusión de mujeres y jóvenes en prácticas tradicionales. Implementado por Aquafondo y FFLA-CDKN, el proyecto busca fortalecer la seguridad hídrica de Lima y mejorar los medios de vida locales con un enfoque de género e inclusión social.

Intersecting realities: Four approaches to making locally-led adaptation more inclusive A recent peer learning session at the Community-Based Adaptation conference (CBA18) in Arusha discussed the question, what does locally-led adaptation look like when intersectionality is intentionally considered part of an intervention? Read the key takeaways from the discussion.

Inclusive conversations: Pioneering a human rights-based approach to biodiversity and climate action CDKN is co-convening a 3-part dialogue series on pioneering a human-rights based approach (HRBA) to biodiversity and climate action together with BES-Net, Swedbio, Soka Gakkai International and the Forest, Climate, and Livelihood research network (Focali).

Pathways to future agriculture in Africa Africa's agricultural future demands a holistic, adaptable strategy, merging diverse solutions at various scales, prioritising local contexts and farmer needs for resilience and sustainability. This blog forms part of a series from the Africa Regional Resilience Hub in the lead up to COP28. Along with other regions in the global South, the Regional Hubs work to amplify regional voices to global decision-making spaces, with a particular focus on communities and underrepresented and lesser heard voices.

Climate finance: The elusive accessibility and the need for transformative change Marginalised voices need amplification, and streamlined, flexible approaches are needed to foster and promote transformative change in climate finance. This blog forms part of a series from the Africa Regional Resilience Hub in the lead up to COP28. Along with other regions in the global South, the Regional Hubs work to amplify regional voices to global decision-making spaces, with a particular focus on communities and underrepresented and lesser heard voices.

What micro-grants teach us about funding locally-led research The Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA) micro-grants programme offers a potentially powerful model for devolved financing that supports community-led action research for adaptation. This blog forms part of a series from the Africa Regional Resilience Hub in the lead up to COP28. Along with other regions in the global South, the Regional Hubs work to amplify regional voices to global decision-making spaces, with a particular focus on communities and underrepresented and lesser heard voices.

The power of culture, arts and heritage in shaping climate resilience in Africa Salma Sabour, Networking Coordinator for a National Geographic project, shares how culture - blending arts, heritage and indigenous wisdom - can empower individuals for just and climate-resilient futures in Africa. This blog forms part of a series from the Africa Regional Resilience Hub in the lead up to COP28. Along with other regions in the global South, the Regional Hubs work to amplify regional voices to global decision-making spaces, with a particular focus on communities and underrepresented and lesser heard voices.

Embracing mosaic and multiverse approaches in farmer-centred co-creation for African agriculture Insights gathered by ARIN and ARA on smallholder agriculture highlight the value of indigenous knowledge and farmer-centric approaches in co-creating a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future. This blog forms part of a series from the Africa Regional Resilience Hub in the lead up to COP28. Along with other regions in the global South, the Regional Hubs work to amplify regional voices to global decision-making spaces, with a particular focus on communities and underrepresented and lesser heard voices.

Climate change risk - A weightier concern than investment risks: How changing risk perceptions can unlock climate action in Africa Phatsimo Rahman, from SouthSouthNorth, shares her insights on various events relating to climate finance and just transitions held during Africa Climate Week 2023. This blog forms part of a series from the Africa Regional Resilience Hub in the lead up to COP28. Along with other regions in the global South, the Regional Hubs work to amplify regional voices to global decision-making spaces, with a particular focus on communities and underrepresented and lesser heard voices.

Opportunity: CLARE Roster of Experts - Research-to-action services in Africa and Asia The Climate Adaptation and Resilience (CLARE) programme has announced a call for Expressions of Interest (EoI). The call will establish a roster of climate experts for short term assignments to mobilise existing research into use in a variety of decision-making contexts. Submit your EoI before 31 October 2023.

Local voices from the global South: Community action at the centre of resilient water solutions The UN 2023 Water Conference took place from 22-24 March 2023 in New York and online. CDKN co-hosted a virtual side event with Fundación Avina to bring local voices from the global South to the fore in communicating water solutions to reduce climate change vulnerabilities.

The role of knowledge brokers in advancing climate action In the climate arena and more widely, there are many terms to describe activities within the ‘knowledge-to-action’ spectrum – what CDKN terms ‘knowledge brokering’. This CDKN journal article and accompanying Essentials brief summarises how CDKN defines and understands climate knowledge brokering.

Register for the COP27 Africa Regional Resilience Hub virtual event The Africa Regional Resilience Hub has opened registration for a virtual programme of events from 19-22 September aimed at illuminating African priorities and solutions to be shared at COP27.

Request for proposals: Help develop a website for the Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World programme CDKN is seeking a website developer to build a website for the GLOW programme. Qualified website developers are invited to apply by Friday 28 January 2022, 10:00 SAST.

New research supports a gender-equal recovery through low-carbon innovation A new IDRC-supported research programme aims to help ensure that low- and middle-income countries' economic responses to the Covid-19 pandemic are inclusive and sustainable. CDKN will be the knowledge partner for the Gender Equality in a Low Carbon World programme.

Voices For Climate Action: Tunisia call for proposals The Voices for Climate Action programme is seeking applications from Tunisian organisations working in climate change adaptation and advocacy.

Weaving knowledge and action on climate change, 2018-2021 Since 2018, a second phase of CDKN called the ‘Knowledge Accelerator’ has focused on growing our ‘knowledge-in-action’ services, as well as further cultivating climate leadership, learning and collaboration within and across developing countries. Read some of the highlights from the past three years’ work.

Online engagement in the global South - Perspectives, challenges and options This working paper shares the experiences and challenges climate practitioners in the global South have faced in transitioning to working online because of the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights some lessons learned for organising inclusive and effective engagements - at the international, national and sub-national levels.

Guide: How to contribute climate change information to Wikipedia CDKN and Future Climate for Africa (FCFA) have launched a new guide for climate change professionals on how to contribute climate change information to Wikipedia.

Guía: Comunicando el cambio climático: una guía para profesionales Comunicando el cambio climático: una guía para profesionales está llena de consejos para comunicar el cambio climático de manera efectiva, extraída de la experiencia de CDKN en Asia meridional y sudoriental, África subsahariana y Latinoamérica.

Mobilising investment for NDC implementation Watch the webinar from the Mobilising Investment project aiming to mobilise public and private sector capital for the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Guide: Smart Incentives for Mini-Grids through Retail Tariff and Subsidy Design This paper focuses on the key building blocks of mini-grid tariff and subsidy. Companion case studies may be developed in cooperation with AMG-CoP members, and additional work products will be developed in consultation with the AMG-CoP.

The key to sustainable growth - mainstreaming climate resilient infrastructure The majority of Africa’s US$90 billion per year infrastructure deficit is in the energy, transport and water sectors. Investing in such long-lived infrastructure calls for considering climate change. This event at Africa Water Week will explore why - and how - African development can become more climate resilient.

Outlook : Special Edition on African climate science The Future Climate for Africa (FCFA) programme aims to improve the use of climate science in Africa - what has the team learned so far? This Special Edition of 'Climate and Development Outlook' on African climate science shares some early lessons.

Tackling the water-energy-food nexus without reinventing the wheel Does a shift in global policy debates toward the 'water-energy-food security nexus' translate into any real change in the way water is managed? Beatrice Mosello of ODI and Shehnaaz Moosa of CDKN report on the latest in 'nexus' debates from World Water Week.

Working Paper : How to scale out community-based adaptation to climate change This CDKN working paper explores the potential of ‘scaling out’ community-based adaptation pilots in order to bring more quality benefits to more people over a wider geographical area, more equitably, more quickly, and more lastingly.

OUTLOOK: Rwanda Special Edition CDKN's Climate and Development Outlook focuses on Rwanda's pioneering steps towards a climate resilient green economy, as the Government of Rwanda reviews the first round of applications to its Fund for Environment and Climate Change (FONERWA).

Edison lights the way to a low-carbon energy sector Steve Thorne, energy expert and Director of SouthSouthNorth, casts a critical eye over conventional energy supply and suggests policy makers could learn a lesson from Thomas Edison in how to deliver low-carbon energy services

In conversation with Carl Wesselink, Director of CDKN Africa CDKN in conversation with our Director from SouthSouthNorth, Carl Wesselink, who talks about his work with CDKN and how the context for climate compatible development has changed in Africa in the two years since CDKN was launched in 2009.

In conversation with Carl Wesselink, Director of CDKN Africa CDKN in conversation with our Director from SouthSouthNorth, Carl Wesselink, who talks about his work with CDKN in Africa.

CoP17 side event - developing countries collaborating on climate compatible development Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) and Mitigation Action Plans & Scenarios (MAPS) are hosting a UNFCCC side event on climate compatible development on the 8th December.