Shifting power in climate and health

Climate and health is gaining attention, but who gets to decide what is funded, which questions are prioritized, and where resources flow remains a harder conversation. Researchers and practitioners in countries most affected by climate-related health risks often have deep expertise and proximity to the challenges, without equivalent influence over funding and decision-making. This small working conversation will bring together network conveners working across climate and health alongside funders already engaged in the field. Rather than discussing the need to shift power in the abstract, each convener will put something specific on the table: one action they are taking this year to shift funding or decision-making authority toward researchers and practitioners based in the countries most affected. Funders in the room will then respond directly. What would make these proposals possible? Where are funders constrained by their own structures and practices? What could they change? And where might the intentions of funders and networks diverge when the conversation moves from the principle of locally led work to actual control over resources and decisions? The premise is simple: most convenings end with good intentions and no clear path for follow-through. This session will test whether a smaller, more candid room can produce something different by grounding the conversation in commitments and choices participants are already making. What to expect An intimate, discussion-based working session rather than a panel. Network conveners will briefly share concrete actions they are taking to shift funding or decision-making authority, and funders will respond to what they hear. The small group is intentional, creating space for participants to speak candidly, challenge one another, and work through practical barriers. The emphasis will be on specificity and follow-through. Participants will leave knowing not just what others believe should change, but what they are actually trying to change and where collaboration could help. Who this is for This session is for climate and health network conveners, researchers and practitioners, philanthropic funders, and others interested in changing how resources and decision-making power move within the climate and health field, particularly toward people and institutions in countries most affected. What you will get out of it Concrete examples of how climate and health networks are shifting funding and decision-making authority A candid view of the opportunities and constraints funders face in supporting locally led work Space to test proposals directly with people on different sides of funding relationships A clearer understanding of where stated commitments to shifting power meet practical barriers Potential relationships and next steps that can continue beyond the room Hosted by Climate Sensitive Infectious Disease Network