Bridging Levels: Advancing Climate Action Through Multilevel Governance and Local Leadership

During the COP30 Local Leaders Forum, held in Rio de Janeiro from November 3–5, 2025, WWF and the Alliances for Climate Action mobilized a cohort of 25 fellows from subnational governments in Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa to take part in a series of learning sessions to foster peer exchanges and forward thinking. Over the course of four thematic sessions, and broader participation in C40 programming, participants explored how cities and regions are driving high-integrity climate action, tackling plastic pollution through community engagement, placing nature at the heart of local climate agendas, and advancing multi-level climate governance through subnational leadership. These dialogues showcased innovative approaches, highlighted practical solutions, and reaffirmed the critical role of local governments in accelerating climate and nature action across Latin America and beyond.