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The document introduces the concept of alignment across three major international policy frameworks: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It argues that because climate change threatens sustainable development, development efforts must be resilient to climate impacts and disaster risks to remain sustainable.

The assessment finds that while Namibia has strong geological data and a fair revenue system, it suffers from outdated legislation, particularly regarding mine closure, water management, and occupational health and safety. The report recommends prioritizing the creation of mandatory financial assurances for mine closure and updating the legal framework for environmental and artisanal mining.

The briefing contends that the distinction between adaptation and development projects is counter-productive and that adaptation should be viewed as 'doing development differently in response to climate change.' It proposes a framework for maximizing the impact of scarce adaptation finance by establishing strong climate rationales, building national adaptive capacity across four key areas, and shifting toward devolved decision-making to empower local communities.

The CER argues that the DBSA's potential financing of the Thabametsi and Khanyisa coal-fired power plants contradicts its mandate for sustainable development and violates constitutional environmental rights. The CER highlights that these projects face significant legal challenges regarding licenses and would result in greenhouse gas emission intensities nearly 60% higher than Eskom's Medupi and Kusile plants. Furthermore, the CER cites evidence that South Africa has surplus base supply capacity and that these plants would increase costs by R19.68 billion compared to a least-cost energy system.

The document outlines a proposal by the Project for Advancing Climate Transparency (PACT) to assist climate negotiators in creating cohesive implementing guidelines for the Paris Agreement. It focuses on the cycle of planning, implementing, and reviewing climate actions, identifying core requirements for elements such as common timeframes and cooperative processes to ensure accountability and sustainable development.

The document proposes replacing traditional carbon offsetting with a results-based climate finance (RBCF) system under a unified Sustainable Development Mechanism (SDM). It argues that while the aviation sector currently relies on offsets via CORSIA, this should be a transitory arrangement phased out by 2030 through a 'ratchet mechanism' on Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) scope. To ensure environmental integrity and avoid double counting, the author recommends a 50% discount rate on offsets, mandatory corresponding adjustments by host countries, and a transparent international registry. Additionally, the SDM should incorporate stakeholder consultation rules, grievance mechanisms, and restrictions on harmful technologies like coal to foster genuine sustainable development.

The document defines alignment as a process to identify synergies among policy processes with common objectives to increase coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness. It argues that aligning the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is essential for climate-resilient development because these agendas share goals of strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability. The brief outlines a continuum of alignment—from informal collaboration to systematic alignment—and notes that success depends on political will, government capacity, and the influence of coordinating actors, such as ministries of planning or central leadership.

The document argues that aligning national policy processes—specifically those related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies—increases coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness in achieving climate-resilient development. It defines alignment as the identification of synergies between policies with common goals, distinguishing it from 'mainstreaming' (the integration of climate considerations into a single plan). The briefing outlines a progression of alignment from informal collaboration to systematic alignment, noting that success depends on political will, institutional arrangements, and the capacity of government actors. It emphasizes that while national governments lead these processes, implementation occurs primarily at the subnational level, necessitating a coordinated approach to avoid overburdening local authorities.

The document argues that aligning national policy processes—specifically those related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies—increases the coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness of climate-resilient development. It defines alignment as the identification of synergies between policies with common goals and presents a continuum of alignment ranging from informal collaboration to systematic alignment. The briefing emphasizes that while alignment is often hindered by administrative barriers between government ministries, it is essential for reducing the burden on subnational actors and improving overall development outcomes.

The document examines how the BRICS nations can better support African development priorities, specifically industrialisation and infrastructure. It highlights the role of South Africa in leveraging the BRICS forum for continental interests and discusses the potential of the New Development Bank (NDB). The briefing identifies critical challenges, including rising external debt, lack of transparency in lending, and unequal trade patterns where Africa primarily exports primary commodities. It recommends the creation of a dedicated BRICS–Africa strategy, a specialized BRICS unit within the African Union Commission (AUC), and improved coordination between bilateral BRICS initiatives and the AU's Agenda 2063.

The document analyzes the BRICS' dual strategy of pursuing 'inside reforms' of the IMF and World Bank while establishing 'outside' alternatives like the New Development Bank (NDB) and Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA). It finds that while emerging markets gained some voting power, many developing countries, including several in Africa, saw their shares decrease. The paper highlights a disconnect between the BRICS' collective 'African agenda' and the individual bilateral strategies of its members, recommending a dedicated BRICS-Africa strategy and formal coordination with the African Union.

The document analyzes the engagement of China, Japan, and India in East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania, highlighting the strategic importance of maritime ports and transport corridors. It details significant infrastructure projects, such as the LAPSSET Corridor and the Mombasa port upgrades, while noting a persistent trade imbalance where East African nations export raw materials and import high-value finished goods. The author argues that while these investments offer growth opportunities, they require improved governance to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.

The 2nd Science-Policy Workshop of the IAI focused on integrating scientific research into policy across the Americas. Key discussions included the IPBES Regional Assessment for the Americas, the launch of the IAI Open Data initiative, and the development of a new 25-year Strategic Plan. The workshop also highlighted the role of science diplomacy and the impact of Collaborative Research Network (CRN3) projects on regional policy outcomes, such as water security and protected areas.

The document emphasizes the urgent need to strengthen science and technology-based disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacity in Asia to meet 2030 global goals. It advocates for a shift from managing disasters to reducing risks by improving the understanding of risk dimensions, integrating risk governance into planning, and utilizing cost-benefit analyses for resilience investments. The text highlights Asia's vulnerability to high-frequency, high-intensity hazards and argues that global DRR targets cannot be achieved unless disaster casualties and property losses decrease within the region.

The report evaluates Kenya's development landscape, noting strengths in health and education but significant deficits in basic infrastructure and governance. It uses the International Futures (IFs) model to project outcomes through 2040, arguing that while Kenya is unlikely to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030, targeted interventions in agriculture, family planning, and corruption could meaningfully improve livelihoods.

South Africa is attempting to leverage its unique geographic position to grow an 'oceans economy' through initiatives like Operation Phakisa, while simultaneously managing maritime security and international partnerships. However, the report finds that progress has been modest, hampered by eroding naval capabilities, a lack of an integrated national maritime strategy, and a policy focus that has disproportionately favored the Indian Ocean over the Atlantic. The document emphasizes the need for better coordination between government departments and stronger alignment with African Union and Indian Ocean Rim Association strategies to ensure sustainable 'blue economy' growth.

The review finds that while the WEF nexus concept is widely used to expand the scope of analysis, it lacks a uniting methodology and has not yet demonstrated a clear ability to improve resource management or governance outcomes.

The document examines the 'jurisdictional approach' (JA)—a comprehensive, government-led strategy for forest and land-use governance across defined political territories. It argues that subnational jurisdictions (states, provinces, districts) are critical for scaling emissions reductions because they are closer to land users and possess the authority to shape land-use decisions. Through case studies in Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, and Mexico, the paper highlights that while JA fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy innovation, it is frequently hampered by political turnover, limited public sector capacity, and a lack of tangible financial incentives. The authors conclude that JA is not a 'silver bullet' but a necessary recognition of the role of multi-level government in protecting forests and enhancing livelihoods.

The text advocates for a transition to a green and inclusive economy in India, moving beyond niche discourse to a fundamental industrial model. It highlights the importance of decoupling economic growth from resource use and calls for greater engagement from the Indian government and civil society to achieve sustainable development goals.

The document highlights the gap between the resources required for African countries to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the available public finance, arguing that private sector funding is essential. It focuses on financial instruments in Sub-Saharan Africa, including those backed by the UNFCCC and a specific national programme in South Africa, to explore how the public sector can most efficiently incentivise private investment in mitigation and adaptation.