From Local Action to Global Impact: Elevating Subnational Governments in the G20 Climate Agenda

ICLEI Africa and the South African Local Governments Association co-authored this policy brief to support the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG), led by South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as part of South Africa’s 2025 G20 Presidency.

The brief highlights the vital role of subnational governments in driving implementation across air quality, climate change, biodiversity, land, chemicals and waste management, as well as oceans and coasts.

It is our hope that the final G20 communique will recognise the critical role of subnational governments in implementing the G20’s strategic priorities.

By advancing a multilevel, locally anchored agenda, South Africa, in its G20 Presidency, can demonstrate that development progress and the climate– biodiversity–oceans nexus are mutually reinforcing; show how subnational governments drive the practical delivery of global and national commitments; and position South Africa as a bridge-builder between the Global North and South on climate and biodiversity governance reform.