Emerging LDC climate negotiators shape international positions
Thirteen new climate negotiators from the least developed countries developed the skills and confidence to push for ambitious climate action on behalf of their nations.
Mock negotiations such as these in 2022 help junior negotiators to practice speaking up for the LDC countries on key issues (Photo: Fernanda Alcobe, IIED)
Thirteen early-career LDC negotiators contributed to national and LDC Group climate negotiations at the UNFCCC sessions in 2024. They stepped into formal leadership roles on topics such as technology and carbon markets and were representatives on UNFCCC official bodies.
Most of them reported to their national delegations and a couple drafted ministerial statements for their country or briefed their ministers at COP29.
The growing influence of these people reflects both the increasing institutional integration of new negotiators and the strengthening of LDC capacity to engage on complex climate issues. The LDC Group is the moral voice for the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts and demands that all countries commit to ambitious climate action.
IIED provides mentorship and targeted regional training designed to equip the next generation of LDC negotiators with the knowledge, support and real-time experience needed to lead in climate diplomacy. Women are a particular focus as they are less represented in the climate space: in 2024, for example, they made up only 32% of LDC delegates.
The contribution made by the 13 early-career negotiators shows the value of sustained support.
I have a better understanding now of how to go to negotiations. I know how to prepare. It takes a certain type of language: clear, consistent and coherent.
– Female participant on IIED training course
