The Climate South Initiative will welcome leaders from government, business, NGOs, civil society organizations and social enterprise for a different kind of debate on climate - a debate led by the South, for the benefit of the whole world.

What is different about the Climate South Initiative?

The South is moving into action: The mission of Climate South Initiative is to create momentum among leaders from developing and emerging economies under the banner of South-South collaboration to take a proactive stand on climate change.

Diversity at work: Climate South initiative will offer a platform for proactive leaders from the South to convene and discuss our common future as it relates to adaptation to and mitigation of climate change. The diversity represented by Southern countries will be captured by the informal nature of this event, designed to encourage discussion and sharing of knowledge and expertise, rather than negotiation.

Innovative format: This two-day event is designed with innovative features such as inclusive media, broad public engagement and participatory workshops. The aim is to give a voice to those not involved in the usual climate conferences - beyond country negotiators. The focus will be on how to strengthen the trust between global participants to make the fight against climate change a collective project.

Youth engagement: The Initiative will also offer a stage for the voice of the next generation, through a competition for African youth to submit videos outlining how they would address climate change if they were "President of Africa”.

Focus on outcomes: The Initiative will conclude with a declaration that will outline a number of joint measures to support climate leadership in the global south. This declaration will also serve as input to the UNFCCC COP21 in Paris in December 2015.