Climate Democracy Initiative (CDI) will join global leaders, innovators, and changemakers at the Skoll World Forum—one of the world’s most influential gatherings focused on advancing social impact. Held annually in Oxford, the Forum brings together a diverse community working at the intersection of climate, governance, equity, and systems change.
For CDI, this moment comes at a critical time. Across the United States, communities are navigating rapid environmental, political, and economic shifts, often without the institutional trust or civic infrastructure needed to respond effectively. The Skoll World Forum offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with organizations and leaders who are tackling these same challenges from different angles around the world.
Why This Forum Matters
The Skoll World Forum is more than a conference—it is a space for alignment. Leaders from across sectors come together to share ideas, test strategies, and build the relationships needed to drive long-term change. As conversations around climate increasingly intersect with questions of governance, representation, and public trust, CDI is eager to contribute to and learn from this global dialogue.
Our work is grounded in a simple belief: climate solutions are only as strong as the democratic systems that support them. Without inclusive decision-making, community trust, and local leadership, even the most well-funded climate initiatives can fall short. At the Forum, we will be engaging in discussions that explore how to strengthen these systems and ensure communities have a meaningful voice in shaping their futures.
What CDI Is Bringing
As we head into the Forum, CDI is focused on sharing insights from our work supporting community-driven climate action across the country. We will be highlighting:
- How local leadership can transform climate outcomes
- The role of civic engagement in building long-term resilience
- Strategies for rebuilding trust between institutions and communities
- The importance of centering those most affected in decision-making processes
We’re particularly interested in connecting with organizations that are experimenting with new models of participatory governance, youth engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
Looking Ahead
While the conversations at the Skoll World Forum will span a wide range of topics, one theme is clear: the challenges we face are interconnected, and so must be the solutions. Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is deeply tied to how decisions are made, who gets to participate, and whose voices are heard.
CDI is heading into the Forum with a focus on listening, learning, and building relationships that can accelerate this work. We’re excited to bring new ideas back to the communities we serve and to continue strengthening the link between climate action and democratic participation.
Stay tuned as we share updates and reflections from Oxford in the weeks ahead.
More info on Skoll here
