Advancing just transitions in least developed and developing nations through global diplomacy, research and climate-trade-development solutions

As global momentum builds toward shifting to lower-carbon economies, least developed countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face disproportionate challenges.

Despite contributing the least to climate change, they are among the most vulnerable to its impacts. They also often lack access to financial resources, institutional capacity and policy influence, and struggle to balance environmental protection with economic development and community rights.

LDCs and SIDS are at a crossroads. They must achieve development goals under severe resource constraints while navigating a rapidly evolving climate and economic landscape. The shift to sustainability, if not inclusive, risks leaving these nations behind.

To support a fair and inclusive transition, IIED has launched an initiative to support LDCs and SIDS in shaping global climate, trade and investment policy.

What is IIED doing?

Through three interlinked workstreams, this ‘Advancing just transition in the global climate dialogue’ initiative will:

• Amplify LDC voices in global negotiations
• Unlock financing and policy support, and
• Align economic frameworks with justice, equity and sustainability.

The first workstream will support LDCs to develop a shared vision and understanding of just transition within international climate negotiations. Experts and national practitioners will be connected through workshops, webinars, policy briefs and articles, providing research and communication to strengthen the LDC Group’s position under the Just Transition Work Programme.

Under the second workstream, the alignment between climate, trade and finance agendas will be enhanced through the production of analytical policy briefings on the interlinkages between those areas.

This will include offering technical support on emerging issues and convening cross-sector dialogues and in-person consultations informed by major international events such as the climate and biodiversity COPs, and meetings of the World Trade Organization, World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

Finally, IIED will develop analysis and offer technical support on how LDCs and developing countries can engage with ongoing efforts to reform international trade and investment treaties in the light of just transition objectives.

Collectively, this work promotes policy coherence and advances just, inclusive and sustainable transformations across different areas of global governance.