Diversity in Climate Negotiations: Lessons for Inclusive Urban Planning and Smarter Mobility

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving role of stakeholder diversity in United Nations climate negotiations, with a particular focus on the Conferences of the Parties (COP) under the UNFCCC. Using a qualitative comparative case study method, it analyzes documentation from six key COPs (2009-2024) and three urban planning cases. The study identifies how the inclusion of civil society, youth, indigenous groups, and private sector actors has shaped negotiation dynamics and contributed to broader climate discourse. A key finding is that while stakeholder diversity enhances legitimacy and knowledge sharing, its impact on emission outcomes remains limited without stronger institutional linkages. Drawing on COP documentation and selected case examples, the study identifies key mechanisms of engagement and governance that can inform urban planning and transport strategies. The analysis reveals that structured stakeholder constituencies, as seen in the UNFCCC, offer a transferable model for urban governance. The paper proposes a transferable governance model that adapts multilateral negotiation principles - such as inclusive decision-making, transparency, and knowledge sharing - to local climate resilience efforts. It introduces a conceptual Knowledge Management Framework designed to support cross-sectoral collaboration and evidence-based planning in urban contexts.