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This policy brief examines the role of emerging powers, specifically the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) and IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) forums, in the evolution of South–South co-operation. The author analyzes whether these alliances serve as genuine champions for the developing world or as self-serving entities pursuing global economic dominance. The document argues that for these forums to effectively challenge neo-liberal globalisation and benefit the most vulnerable regions, particularly Africa, they must move beyond political rhetoric toward inclusive, practical action plans and transparent mandates.

This policy briefing examines South Africa's role as the host and president of the 17th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 17) to the UNFCCC in November and December 2011. It analyzes the geopolitical challenges of the climate negotiations, South Africa's efforts to coordinate a common African voice, its participation in the BASIC alliance, and the necessity of aligning its domestic climate policies with its international leadership ambitions.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on South Africa, arguing that FDI does not automatically guarantee economic growth or job creation. The author suggests that the government should prioritize public investment in economic infrastructure and industrialization over the mere attraction of FDI, particularly in sectors like retail where large foreign entities may displace local businesses.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) analyzes South Africa's role as the host of the 2013 BRICS Summit. It examines how South Africa can leverage its membership in the BRICS group to advance its own national interests and promote the development and industrialization of Africa, while navigating the complexities of regional leadership and the predominantly bilateral nature of BRICS-Africa economic engagements.

This policy brief by Andre W. Cooper examines how middle-power countries recalibrate their diplomatic strategies in a multipolar global environment. It contrasts the approaches of the MIKTA grouping, South Africa's alignment with BRICS, and Canada's shift from broad multilateralism toward a more consolidated focus on strategic Western allies.

This policy brief by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) outlines a strategic roadmap for implementing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) withinS within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The authors argue that while SADC has strong foundational payment systems, it faces systemic risks due to policy fragmentation and a lack of regulatory harmonisation, specifically regarding the AU Malabo Convention. The document proposes a 'Triple-A' agenda—accelerate, anchor, and assert—to drive inclusive digital transformation, leveraging lessons from India's 'security-by-design' and Brazil's 'brownfield' approach to digital sovereignty.

This briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the proposed preferential trade agreement (PTA) between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and India. It details the economic rationale, negotiating interests, and potential challenges of the deal, while considering its place within the broader IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Dialogue and the possibility of a future trilateral free trade agreement.

This report examines the impact of energy efficiency on electricity demand for cooling appliances in households at risk. It highlights that while expanding cooling access could significantly increase energy needs, the adoption of best-available technologies and passive building strategies can offset this demand and support sustainable energy transitions.

This executive summary, published by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), updates the 2018 'Chilling Prospects' study by analyzing cooling access across 52 climate-exposed countries. It advocates for a needs-based approach to sustainable cooling to protect vulnerable populations, ensure food and medicine security, and align with the Kigali Amendment and the Paris Agreement.

The G20 Energy Access Action Plan is a multi-phase voluntary collaboration framework designed to strengthen G20 member cooperation on energy access. The first phase specifically targets improving electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa through six strategic pillars: policy and regulatory environments, technology deployment, investment and finance, capacity building, regional integration, and coordination. The plan emphasizes sharing knowledge and good practices while respecting the sovereign right of nations to determine their own energy mix.

This research paper by Sustainable Energy for All presents a comprehensive framework of indicators to track gender equality and social inclusion within the energy transition, specifically focusing on electrification, clean cooking, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.

This compendium, led by India's Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), explores how G20 countries can promote energy-efficient lifestyles by combining rational motivations with positive emotional narratives. It highlights the 'Lifestyle for Environment' (LiFE) movement and provides case studies on energy efficiency in buildings, industry, and transport, emphasizing that human-centered communication can accelerate the transition to decarbonized economies.

This report by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyzes the European Union's proposed 2020 climate targets using the Greenhouse Development Rights (GDRs) framework. It argues that the EU's targets are insufficient to meet the 2°C warming limit and fail to account for the 'right to development' for the global South. The authors call for the EU to adopt a 'two-fold obligation' consisting of deep domestic emissions reductions and significant international financial and technological support to enable a low-carbon transition in developing nations.

This executive summary, based on a 2009 report prepared for the Swedish Government Offices, outlines an integrated approach for the European Union to combine climate change mitigation and energy security with economic competitiveness. It advocates for an 'eco-efficient economy' through resource efficiency, the development of new technology markets, and the establishment of stable global carbon prices.

The Production Gap Report 2023 finds that global governments plan to produce significantly more fossil fuels by 2030 and 2050 than is consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C. Despite net-zero pledges, many major producers continue to plan for increases in coal, oil, and gas production, creating a misalignment between production plans and climate goals.

This executive summary, produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute for the Combat Climate Change (3C) initiative, examines how resource scarcity in biomass, metals, and water could hinder the transition to a low-carbon economy. It evaluates various scenarios for resource availability and proposes strategies—including technological innovation, policy shifts, and efficiency improvements—to ensure the viability of green technologies.

This research paper evaluates the impact of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) on nitrous oxide (N2O) abatement in the adipic acid sector. While the carbon market successfully incentivized abatement levels of 98% to 100%, which exceed previous technical benchmarks, the authors find that the CDM created significant economic incentives that led to carbon leakage. Specifically, production shifted from non-CDM plants to CDM plants during the 2008-2009 economic downturn, resulting in an estimated 13.5 MtCO2e of issued credits that did not represent real emission reductions.

This policy brief outlines a framework for reducing the external environmental footprints of national consumption, using Sweden as a case study. It proposes a three-step method to map consumption, identify 'hotspots' in supply chains (such as electronics from China and soy from Brazil), and prioritize policy instruments. The authors recommend a multi-ministerial approach in Sweden to implement approximately 60 identified instruments, ranging from tax adjustments and durability requirements to bilateral cooperation with producer countries.

This policy brief summarizes the outcomes of a regional retreat held in October 2017 in Colombia, organized by the Government of Colombia and the Independent Research Forum (IRF). The event brought together policy-makers from 12 Latin American countries to share experiences and identify strategies for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The brief focuses on five key themes: mainstreaming the SDGs into national policy, building cooperation and partnerships, monitoring progress, financing the agenda, and creating spaces for dialogue and learning.

The 2021 Production Gap report by the Stockholm Environment Institute finds that global government plans for fossil fuel production in 2030 are more than double what is required to limit warming to 1.5°C. Despite net-zero pledges, most major producers plan to increase or maintain production, and G20 nations have provided more new funding to fossil fuels than clean energy since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.