Summary of Interviews

This report summarizes interviews with 22 UNFCCC stakeholders to analyze the dynamics of consensus-building in climate negotiations. It introduces a Policy Dialogue Model focusing on political context, negotiation dynamics, and group processes, while highlighting the importance of interpersonal trust, the role of 'hybrid' negotiators (combining diplomacy and technical expertise), and the critical influence of capable chairs. The findings suggest that reducing the frequency of meetings and increasing informal dialogue could enhance the quality of outcomes, while cautioning that moving from consensus to majority voting could undermine the process's inclusivity.

• The report utilizes a Policy Dialogue Model to analyze multilateral negotiations, identifying three primary factors: political context (external influences like domestic policy), negotiation dynamics (the substance of issues and party interests), and group process (interpersonal relations and trust). Power and data/information are identified as cross-cutting dynamics that interact with all three factors.
• The UNFCCC negotiation process is described as having multiple layers, similar to an onion. These layers include the individual level (interpersonal skills), the negotiator level (professional representation), the party/government level (national interests and high-level political decisions), regional groups (coordination of priorities), and negotiating blocs (groupings of like-minded countries to create cohesion).
• Effective negotiators are categorized into three types: Diplomats (politically oriented), Subject Matter Experts (technically proficient), and Hybrids (possessing both diplomatic and technical skills). The report suggests that the most effective type often depends on the specific negotiating track, such as whether it is technically focused (SBSTA) or policy focused (ADP).
• The role of chairs and facilitators is critical for progress. The report identifies two stages of negotiation: Stage 1 (setting boundaries and key issues) and Stage 2 (in-depth technical discussions). Different types of chairs are suited for these stages, ranging from those who are adaptable and trust-building to those who are technical experts.
• Interviewees suggested that reducing the number of meetings and negotiating tracks could improve the quality of discussions. High intensity and frequent meetings are seen as hindering the ability of national governments to conduct broader domestic consultations and incorporate new technical analysis into their positions.
• Informal dialogues and communications are viewed as essential for building trust and socializing new ideas before formal negotiations. These settings allow negotiators to speak more openly about interests and bargain without the pressure of formal interpretations.
• While majority voting is recognized as more efficient than the current consensus-based process, interviewees expressed concern that it would undermine the inclusive nature of the UNFCCC. They feared voting could alienate minority countries or shift the focus from collective problem-solving to lobbying.

APA

Climate and Development Knowledge Network (2013). Summary of Interviews. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Summary-of-Interviews-Consensus-building-in-the-UNFCCC.pdf

Chicago

Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Summary of Interviews. 2013. https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Summary-of-Interviews-Consensus-building-in-the-UNFCCC.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate and Development Knowledge Network |title=Summary of Interviews |date=26 May 2013 |url=https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Summary-of-Interviews-Consensus-building-in-the-UNFCCC.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateanddevelopmentknowledgenetwork2013summary, author = {{Climate and Development Knowledge Network}}, title = {{Summary of Interviews}}, institution = {Climate and Development Knowledge Network}, year = {2013}, month = may, url = {https://cdkn.org/sites/default/files/files/Summary-of-Interviews-Consensus-building-in-the-UNFCCC.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }