The Climate Change Knowledge Network (CCKN) came together in 1998 to increase the exchange of knowledge and research expertise between developed and developing countries on climate change-related activities and to make this knowledge accessible to all countries of the world. Through the cross fertilization of ideas and collaborative efforts between and among members of the network, the CCKN sought to strengthen the pool of knowledge on climate change that could be fed into the international policy process.

The member organizations of the CCKN collectively strove to:

• promote a more effective, sustainable and equitable climate change regime through capacity building, research and communication on issues such as the Kyoto mechanisms, adaptation and technology transfer;

• improve dialogue and exchange among industrialized and developing countries in an effort to enhance understanding of the linkages between climate change and sustainable development in all regions; and

• develop the capacity of its own member organizations to create and communicate policy-relevant, country- and region-specific knowledge on climate change.

The CCKN put a particular emphasis on using its unique combination of substantive, technical and geographic expertise and perspectives to develop the capacity of developing countries to respond to climate change in a manner consistent with their own sustainable development priorities.

Why was the Climate Change Knowledge Network established?

The Climate Change Knowledge Network was established to create knowledge and enhance capacity in developing and developed countries to shape an effective, equitable and sustainable international climate change regime. Its founders recognized the potential for a knowledge network that brought together developing and developed country organizations to:

• build capacity to make reasonable judgement in international negotiations to ensure explicit linkages are made between development and climate change;

• enable network members to take the knowledge gained from their various projects and share it with their national governments and local stakeholders; and

• to bridge the gap between development and climate change by disseminating knowledge gained through research activities to a wider audience

The knowledge network was based on equity and mutual learning. Along with activities that involved the entire network, member organizations were encouraged to collaborate with other members, where partnerships can make activities more effective.

How did the Climate Change Knowledge Network work?

The Climate Change Knowledge Network was a knowledge network composed of members selected from developing and developed countries. Membership was extended to organizations based upon their policy research capacity and links with government, industry and other stakeholders in their countries or regions. Members participated in the network’s decision-making processes, research projects and fundraising activities. They shared information and outcomes of their research, developments in their respective countries, and assisted in network promotion as appropriate. Activities of the network were facilitated by a network coordination unit housed at the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Network members typically met in person once a year in conjunction with the annual meeting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP). During the remainder of the year, members met as part of their joint projects and common activities, and remained in contact by e-mail and conference calls.