Science as a Catalyst: Mobilising Urban Climate Research Actors from the Global South for the IPCC SR Cities

Cities in the Global South are on the frontlines of climate change, yet the scientific voices that understand their realities most deeply remain underleveraged in global policy and innovation agendas.

This interactive session explores how to unlock the potential of urban climate research actors from the Global South across two critical interfaces: research-to-policy and research-to-innovation. We examine how scientists, research institutions, and knowledge networks can more effectively shape urban climate governance — and how they can become drivers of the emerging urban green economy, from climate-tech start-ups to green venture capital.

A key focus will be the upcoming IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Cities: How can Global South research actors actively contribute to and champion the uptake of this landmark report in local and national policy processes, city planning, and investment decisions?

The session will feature an analysis commissioned by GIZ on this topic, providing an evidence base for discussion. Practitioners, researchers, and innovators will explore strategies for strengthening these actors through capacity development, partnerships, funding mechanisms.