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. 

COP and CMA decisions, as well as IPCC assessment reports, elevated the recognition 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. 

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.

Identified processes to mobilize and engage local communities, ensuring inclusivity, regional balance, and gender balance. 

Participation in the second dialogue is open to all interested stakeholders, subject to the venue’s capacity. To express your interest in participating in this dialogue, please complete the Expression of Interest form. Kindly note that the registration for this event is moderated by the incoming COP 30 Presidency. If your form is accepted, you will receive a separate email confirming your registration for the event.

For this mandated dialogue, interested participants may be able to contribute virtually. Please write to LCIPP@unfccc.int, if you are interested in contributing to this mandated dialogue virtually. 

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.