The COP and CMA have recognized the role of local communities in effective climate action and urged Parties to actively involve them in designing and implementing climate action, as expressed in decisions including 1/CP.16, 1/CP.21, 2/CP.23, 2/CP.24, 1/CP.26, 1/CMA.3, 16/CP.26, 1/CMA.5, 2/CMA.5, and most recently in 14/CP.29. These decisions, alongside IPCC assessments, underscore that local communities contribute firsthand experiences, local knowledge systems, social cohesion, and innovations that make climate policies effective, durable, and just.   

To facilitate the exchange of such experiences and sharing of best practices on mitigation and adaptation in a holistic and integrated manner, COP 21 established the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP). COP 23 decided that the LCIPP would perform three functions: knowledge – promote exchange of knowledge and good practices; capacity for engagement – build capacity for engagement; and climate policies and actions – incorporating diverse knowledge systems and innovations in the design and implementation of climate policies and actions. 

In 2018, COP 24 established the Facilitative Working Group (FWG) of the LCIPP with members representing the UN regional groups, SIDS, LDCs, and Indigenous Peoples organizations from the seven UN Indigenous sociocultural regions. The enhancement of local community engagement under the LCIPP presents an opportunity towards institutionalizing their participation across the UNFCCC process, in line with mandates arising from decisions 2/CP.24 and 14/CP.29. Such inclusion would also ensure that their voices, knowledge systems, and lived realities directly inform the implementation of COP and CMA mandates and help translate global commitments into grounded action to build resilience for all.  

The incoming COP 30 Presidency convened the first dialogue during UNFCCC Climate Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, focusing on community solutions and enabling conditions for engagement of local communities. This second dialogue advances the COP and CMA mandates by co-creating pathways to strengthen and systematize engagement of local communities across constituted bodies and national processes. The dialogue intentionally shifts from viewing local communities as mere “vulnerable recipients” toward recognizing them as first responders, knowledge holders, innovators and climate leaders, and prioritizes scaling deep so climate solutions take root where impacts are first felt, and responses often originate.     

Outcomes from the two mandated dialogues will feed into a mandated thematic workshop to be held in conjunction with COP 30 in Brazil. 

Local communities are recognized, resourced, and represented as co-authors of climate solutions across the UNFCCC process. Their lived experience, place-based knowledge, social cohesion, and innovations make climate policy more efficient, effective, and durable – scaling deep and taking root within communities, cultures, and across generations. 

1. Highlight practical examples of local community engagement that can inform deliberations at COP 30.  

2. Co-create pathways to enhance local community representation in the context of the LCIPP and its FWG. 

3. Identify and strengthen entry points across constituted bodies and national processes (e.g., NDCs, NAPs, national communications) for systematic engagement of local communities.

a.    Compilation of practices on engagement of local communities in the UNFCCC constituted bodies and work programmes, and in national climate policies and actions. 
b.    Co-created pathways to enhance the sustained engagement of local communities in the UNFCCC process, particularly through the LCIPP and its FWG. 
c.    Good-practice guidance for involving local communities in the design and implementation of national climate policies and actions. 
d.    Identified processes to mobilize and engage local communities, ensuring inclusivity, regional balance, and gender balance.  

The incoming COP30 Presidency welcomes to Brasília all participants in the Preparatory Ministerial Meeting (Pre-COP30) of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and associated meetings. 

For more information on in-person and virtual participation, please refer to the administrative notes.

a.    “With”, not “for”: Co-create pathways to enhance the engagement of local communities for the benefit of all. 
b.    Knowledge systems complementarity: Bridge diverse knowledge systems, understanding that climate change is a common concern of humankind. 
c.    Speaking with care: Share from lived experiences; all voices are welcome.   
d.    Listen with care: Practice active, respectful listening to understand and connect.  
e.    Inclusive and accessible: Provide multilingual interpretation and hybrid participation options. 

The incoming COP 30 Presidency invites local communities around the world to join a growing network in support of inclusive climate action. This is an effort to implement UNFCCC COP decision 14/CP.29, paragraph 15, which encourages Parties and relevant constituted bodies, in particular the Facilitative Working Group of the LCIPP, and representatives of workstreams under the Convention and the Paris Agreement, to further engage local communities, given their vital role in addressing climate change. Sign up and Stay Connected here.

In the lead-up to the dialogue, we invite you to share your stories and perspectives via the Community Board here. 

a.    Hybrid-session in conjunction with the Pre-COP  
b.    Community board for sharing examples, stories, and relevant practices (see here)  
c.    Option to submit written statements and recorded short video testimonials on enhancing the engagement of local communities via the community board or send them to lcipp@unfccc.int.