Powering climate action through democratic innovation

International IDEA advanced its climate change and democracy work in 2025 by demonstrating how democratic innovation can strengthen climate action globally. In Brazil, the Institute partnered with Delibera Brasil to pilot two climate assemblies that brought citizens, local governments and civil society together to shape priorities for climate finance ahead of COP30. Their recommendation —shared with governments, donors and development banks—helped bridge the gap between community needs and global climate finance actors. A case study report produced by International IDEA and partners examines how climate assemblies could help bridge this gap and shares what was learned about climate deliberation in the process.

At COP30, International IDEA also launched the International Climate and Democracy Coalition, a new global community of practice fostering collaboration across governments, civil society and donors on the climate–democracy nexus. The launch convened central actors and stakeholders in this field to reinforce the need for joint democratic responses to the climate crisis.

International IDEA also advanced global dialogue on climate litigation through the publication of a new report, Let the Courts Decide? The Potential and Limitations of Climate Litigation from a Democracy Perspective, highlighting how legal action can strengthen democratic accountability while acknowledging its limits. This effort expanded informed debate among policymakers, activists and legal experts worldwide.