Isn’t it time to rethink and transform the COP model? In this reflective blog, Karen Hildahl of FFLA–CDKN questions what a more inclusive, just and collaborative COP model could look like. From inspiring grassroots innovations and Indigenous leadership to frustrations of stalled negotiations and inaccessible spaces, we're invited us to imagine a system where local actors lead, diverse knowledge is valued, and global processes to address our multiple crises are built on reciprocity, equity, and care for human well-being and the planet.

Cloudy with a chance of sunshine: Hope and hurdles for Africa after G20 and COP30 In this article, Priyanka Ukabhai and Phatsimo Rahman from the Operationalising a Just Transition in Africa (OJTA) research project, argue that both COP30 and G20 have contributed to the foundation and enabling conditions to move forwards towards operationalising a just transition in Africa.

Driving equitable ecosystem-based adaptation: Lessons from water funds in Latin America This blog, by Gabriela Villamarín and Karen Hildahl of FFLA-CDKN, explores how the Andean Water Funds Platform is implementing Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) measures with a Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) approach across Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The blog highlights the crucial role of community-led, participatory design and implementation in these initiatives, showcasing how water funds are addressing climate threats while fostering social equity for groups experiencing vulnerability.

Towards resilience and equity: FFLA-CDKN aligns with Latin America’s water funds This blog, by Paola Zavala and Karen Hildahl, explores the recent strategic pivot by FFLA–CDKN toward supporting water funds in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It explains how these long‑term financing mechanisms harness inclusive, multi‑stakeholder governance to protect watersheds and drive equity‑focused climate adaptation.

COP30 nature agenda: Modest wins, missed opportunities, and the urgent case for coherent action COP30 was promising in its symbolism, with the over 900 Indigenous Peoples in the Blue Zone, and an agenda that elevated Indigenous voices, rights and nature finance. But by the close of the final plenary, there was only evidence of small incremental changes – not the bold and ambitious outcomes needed to support transformative change, say CDKN EbA Thematic Lead, Nadia Sitas, and CDKN Senior Technical Advisor, Mairi Dupar.

New UNFCCC Gender Action Plan finds nuance in women’s needs and opportunities By Mairi Dupar and Patricia Bamanyaki. Gender equality is currently under threat. Governments are sidelining it in policy making; international agreements and negotiated texts are backsliding on once accepted gender language; and donors are retreating from prioritising gender financing. Without bold and transformative action, the hard-won gains of women and marginalised groups risk being erased.

New CDKN working paper explores how water funds in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are protecting water sources and supporting communities A new CDKN Working Paper, 'Fostering local resilience and enhancing equity through ecosystem-based adaptation: Learning from eight water funds in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru', produced with Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano (FFLA), examines how these water funds are helping to protect water sources while supporting livelihoods and community well-being

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.

What would be a strong outcome for the global goal on adaptation at COP30? There are high expectations that COP30 will adopt a package to measure progress on climate adaptation, but several elements must fall in place for a decision that is robust. The following article explores what a strong outcome for the global goal on adaptation at COP30 would look like – written by Mairi Dupar, senior technical advisor at CDKN, based at ODI (UK), and was originally published on the ODI website.

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.

Rethinking climate and biodiversity finance through a rights-based lens When we talk about financing the response to climate change and biodiversity loss, the discussion often turns to numbers; how much is being pledged, how much is being spent, how big the gap remains. But as became clear during a recent Paris Committee on Capacity-building Network (PCCB) webinar, finance is never just about figures. It reflects the choices we make about what, who and, how we value.

FFLA hosts dialogue to reflect on ethics and climate action ahead of COP30 On 16 September, Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano (FFLA), a CDKN partner, convened women leaders, community representatives, activists and conservation groups from across Ecuador to reflect on the ethics of the climate crisis. The dialogue formed part of the Global Ethical Stocktake, contributing to efforts to identify the root causes of the crisis and propose ethical, collaborative solutions ahead of COP30 in Brazil.