In this new episode of How Could We?, recorded in front of the LDC’s delegation office during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, Anne-Sophie Garrigou interviews Binyam Gebreyes, diplomacy lead at IIED (International Institute for Environment and Development), where he supports the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group.

Binyam's role ensures that LDC priorities and needs are amplified throughout the COP negotiations.

In this conversation, Binyam talks about the power dynamics that shape climate negotiations, highlighting the challenges faced by LDCs in these spaces.

He discusses the importance of the LDC group’scollective approach to counteract the influence of larger, more powerful nations, and how strategic engagement through high-level dialogue and early communications helps elevate their voice.

Binyam also explains the significant progress made on the loss and damage agenda, where the LDC group has beenpushing for tangible financial solutions to address climate impacts that are no longer preventable or adaptable.

Binyam also talks about the lessons he’s drawn from his work on the LDC Initiative for Effective Adaptation and Resilience (LIFE AR), highlighting the need for programmatic, community-led adaptation solutions that reduce transaction costs and allow local communities to own and drive their own adaptation strategies.

This episode provides insights into the role of LDCs at COP29 and their ongoing fight for climate justice in the face of systemic power imbalances.

Visit the IIED website: iied.org

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This episode was presented and produced by Anne-Sophie Garrigou.