“The nature of climate change demands genuine international cooperation to limit both its causes and effects,” explains Professor Romain Weikmans from ULB’s Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, who is leading this new initiative. While the European Union has various tools at its disposal, each member state, including Belgium, needs to use different aspects of its foreign policy to make international cooperation work – while protecting its interests.

Pioneering climate diplomacy

Belgium’s strategic position in European networks offers exciting possibilities. When Germany became the first country to create a climate-focused foreign policy strategy, it showed how targeted diplomacy could create real change. With its central role in European politics and international institutions, Belgium could help write the next chapter in climate diplomacy.

Over the next three years, five in-depth seminars will map out how Belgium can make the most of its position. Each session starts with research into what’s working – and what isn’t – in climate diplomacy, including success stories from other countries. The goal? Create practical ways forward for Belgian climate diplomacy.

To explore these possibilities, Professor Weikmans is bringing together an unusual mix of voices: policy makers, academics, business leaders, and civil society groups.

Why international cooperation matters

The numbers show why international cooperation matters: China and the United States together account for 41% of global emissions, while the entire European Union adds just 6%. This makes Belgium’s role as a connector and convener particularly valuable.

The findings from each seminar will be shared publicly, offering insights for other countries looking to strengthen their climate diplomacy. It’s an approach that could show how strategic positioning and smart diplomacy can help drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change.