The platform focuses on UNESCO’s activities under three major themes: climate research and assessments, monitoring aspects of climate change, and adaptation and mitigation. It will support Member States to build their knowledge base on climate change and thus help to foster adaptation mechanisms and strengthen sustainable development.

With the 2008-2009 biennium (34 C/5), UNESCO initiated twelve intersectoral platforms, including “UNESCO action to address climate change”, with input from all sectors. The climate platform will facilitate collaboration among the over 40 ongoing climate-related activities, and identify a few key intersectoral interventions which lend themselves to expansion during the immediate term.