International Conference on Global Climate Governance 2025

On March 27th, 2025, FES Shanghai and Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS) held an international conference on global climate governance in Shanghai. The format, which was established in 2018, provides a forum for academics and policymakers to engage in dialogue on key climate policy challenges. This year, Chinese experts met with representatives from Germany, Malaysia, India and Brazil, the host of the next UN climate conference COP30 in Belém. Discussions revolved around the need for continued international cooperation in the context of a reduced US commitment under the second Trump presidency, trying to identify convergences and divergences in climate issues between China, Europe and countries of the Global South within and beyond the mechanism of the annual COP.

Collaboration in advancing climate actions between major economies, particularly China and the European Union, and leadership on both sides is of utmost importance to drive ambitious climate policies and ensure adherence to global climate commitments after the withdrawal of the US administration from the Paris Agreement. A Joint Statement between China and France on Climate Change on the occasion of the tenth Anniversary of the Paris Agreement published on just the day of the conference is reflecting this spirit. At the same time divergences in economic interests are spurred by geopolitical tensions, security issues, competition in clean tech markets and resilience of supply chains.

While national determined contributions (NDCs) have been updated in some countries, there remains a significant shortfall in emissions reductions necessary to meet global targets. Despite the high reputation of the COP30 host country Brazil as a successful organizer of international conferences, outcomes will not be for granted without the submission of new NDCs by key stakeholders like China and the EU.

The discussions underscored the disproportionate impact of climate inaction on countries of the Global South. Delays in climate action disproportionately affect vulnerable nations, exacerbating existing socio-economic disparities. There is a need for a more just and inclusive framework for climate governance, ensuring that the voices of developing countries are more prominently represented in decision-making processes. However, achieving this inclusivity remains a challenge, as financial and political asymmetries continue to shape global climate negotiations.

While the conference fostered constructive discussions and a shared recognition of the urgency of climate action, it also highlighted the persistent difficulties in achieving binding commitments at the international level. With the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement, the outcome of the conference reaffirmed the necessity of sustained dialogue and incremental progress in global climate governance, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that climate action acts as a priority on the international agenda.

In the aftermath of the conference, a consensus paper has been drafted based on the discussion results of the conference, and with the integration of Chinese and International expertise. You can download it here.