Unheard voices: what do the Least Developed Countries want from COP21?

A series of interviews with leaders, experts and civil society representatives from the least developed countries. We wanted to hear about the reality that they face, the actions being taken, the role for climate finance – and their hopes for a Paris deal.

For the world's least developed countries (LDCs), the outcome of the Paris climate talks (COP21) was crucial. Their people are among the most vulnerable to the changing climate that is affecting lives and livelihoods. In response many of the world's poorest countries are pushing ahead with low carbon development plans, and projects are in place to help communities with adaptation to climate change. 

As world leaders gathered in Paris for the UN Framework Conventional on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, IIED's Independent Expert Group commissioned a series of interviews with leaders, experts, and civil society representatives from nine of the LDCs. We wanted to hear about the reality that they face, the actions being taken, the role for climate finance – and their hopes for a Paris deal.