Climate Development Knowledge Network (CDKN)

Enhancing the quality of life for the poorest and most vulnerable to climate change

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) works to enhance the quality of life for the poorest and most vulnerable to climate change. CDKN supports decision-makers in designing and delivering climate compatible development.

CDKN does this by combining knowledge, research and technical advisory in support of locally owned and managed policy processes. They work in partnership with decision-makers in the public, private and non-governmental sectors nationally, regionally and globally.

Since 2018, CDKN has been led by South Africa-based SouthSouthNorth (SSN), working closely with its partners Fundación Futuro Latinoamericano (FFLA) in Quito, ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability, South Asia in Delhi, as well as the Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in London.

Latest news and articles

Finance in Flux: a new reading of the resilience and adaptation finance landscape

A new joint paper from the Global Resilience Partnership and RAKSHA Intelligence Futures, published as the Global Partnerships Conference opens in London, argues that the binding constraint on resilience and adaptation finance now sits in the gap between knowing and acting.

Call for proposals for innovations across the Global South now open

We are launching an Innovation Challenge call to support bold, locally led solutions that strengthen resilience, protect ecosystems, and create sustainable opportunities for communities.

Protecting shea trees: Securing women’s livelihoods

Learn how protecting shea trees sustains livelihoods, strengthens rights, and empowers women

Advancing women’s rights to strengthen shea enterprises

In northern Ghana, digital mapping and access to finance are helping women shea producers like Adisah Zakaria turn invisible work into recognised assets, unlocking income, efficiency, and opportunity.

Bridging the gap: Scaling climate-resilient agriculture

Bridge funding helps transform RAIN innovations into scalable solutions that drive resilience and sustainable growth