The UNFCCC’s Global Stocktake (GST) is designed to assess collective progress on climate action and to encourage countries to enhance their ambitions every five years. Therefore, the inaugural GST marked a significant moment in global climate governance, both for its substantive conclusions and for the process through which they were reached.

On 20 January, a lunchtime discussion as part of the AHCD seminar series examined the outcomes and implications of the UNFCCC’s first Global Stocktake, highlighting the central role of inclusivity, knowledge, and power in shaping international climate action. It was moderated by Laura Bullon-Cassis, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Centre. 

Kari De Pryck and Niklas Wagner from the University of Geneva presented their ongoing research analysing how the GST has influenced climate negotiations, addressing underlying power dynamics. The discussion focused on the GST as a multi-stakeholder dialogue, bringing together governments, scientists, civil society organisations, and Indigenous communities to reflect on progress and gaps in global climate efforts.

They highlighted that inclusivity and broad participation were central to the GST’s legitimacy and outcomes. A wide range of stakeholders contributed through submissions and dialogues, enriching discussions with diverse forms of knowledge, including perspectives from communities most affected by climate change. 

At the same time, the seminar addressed persistent challenges. Barriers such as visa restrictions, limited funding, and language constraints continue to shape who is able to participate meaningfully in global climate processes. These obstacles raise important questions about whose knowledge is reconised and how power dynamics among actors influence decision-making at the international level.

A discussion with the audience was then opened by Annabelle Littoz-Monnet, who served as discussant. Her comments helped situate the presentation within wider debates on the politics of participatory processes in international organisations and related epistemic hierarchies.