CBA17 returns in person: scheduled for Bangkok in May

For the first time since 2019, the International Conference on Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change is returning in person. CBA17 will take place in Bangkok, Thailand from 22-25 May, and we hope you’ll join us for four exciting days of discussion on how we can drive ambition for a climate-resilient future.

News, 01 February 2023
Woman talks and points at a poster behind her while people stand in front of her

An in-person session during CBA11 in Kampala, Uganda. CBA17 will take place in-person in Bangkok, Thailand after two years of meeting virtually. (Photo: IIED)

CBA17 logo

CBA conferences bring together practitioners, grassroots representatives, local and national government planners, policymakers and donors working at all levels.

And now we’re asking you to emerge from behind your screens for CBA17 – and come together face-to-face to discuss how to put the principles for principles for locally led adaptation (LLA) into practice, recognising the complexities, innovations and challenges that must be overcome. 

We know that transformative change is built on strong networks and connections between diverse people and returning to an in-person event built on this offers participants four days of discussion, debate, 'skill-shares' and knowledge exchange. 

CBA events have always been a space for learning and sharing experiences, with a focus on acquiring new skills.

In 2019 the CBA conference went entirely online, bringing together large numbers of the CBA community online for CBA14, CBA15 and CBA16. But while the digital conferences strove to be innovative, dynamic and interactive, we missed the deep connections and creative interactions that can only be found face to face 

Previous CBA registrants always tell us that they attend CBA to “meet and connect with others in our community of practice” (55% of respondents to a survey after CBA15), and this is the chance to get back in the room with others to make new connections and rekindle past ones – sharing practice, experiences, innovations and challenges that we’re all facing. 

Registration will open in early March. Sign up to receive updates

What to expect from CBA17: participation, networking and interaction  

CBA is one of the few places where practitioners can build a South-South network, strengthen their relationships and connect with like-minded practitioners and experts. 

At CBA17 expect a deep dive into the main conference themes, with workshops facilitated to encourage dialogue, debate and interaction, and avoid monotonous presentations and panels. In addition, our ‘skill-shares’ match delegates with specific skills with those seeking to acquire or strengthen their competence and knowledge, bringing participants together on an equal footing, regardless of their background or formal level of education.  

We are delighted to see the return of the popular Dragons’ Den, where participants work together in teams to collectively develop bids for investment and present these to a group of people with donor or investment experience. And we are also bringing back the buzzing CBA Marketplace where stallholders showcase innovation and their lived experience. 

CBA’s agenda is shaped by its participants. If you are interested in hosting a session, submit your expression of interest form and our programming team will be in touch.  

About the organisers 

CBA17 is funded by the Climate Justice Resilience Fund, Irish Aid and IIED, and organised with co-hosts the Global Resilience PartnershipCAREPractical Action and Green Africa Youth Organisation. If you’d like to become a CBA partner, please get in touch with Teresa Sarroca at IIED via teresa.sarroca@iied.org.