Climate Country Platforms (CPs) are gaining traction as a way to coordinate finance, policy reform and implementation around national climate goals. But in this Working Paper, Brendan Halloran argues that the biggest obstacles to climate action aren't technical or financial. They lie in political economy dynamics, weak governance, unequal power and limited accountability. The result is climate finance that too often fails to reach vulnerable communities, and bold commitments that falter once it comes to delivery.

Drawing on evidence from mitigation, adaptation and ecosystem protection in countries such as Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, South Africa and Colombia, the paper makes the case that CPs will only deliver lasting change if they go beyond coordination and tackle the governance systems that shape climate decisions.

It sets out a systems change framework with three connected parts: understanding the system through political economy analysis and systems mapping; navigating it through coalition-building, adaptive policy and learning; and shifting it by strengthening participation, accountability and state–society synergy.

The paper closes with practical recommendations for governments, multilateral development banks, climate funds and other international actors — from building political economy analysis into CP design and backing broad national coalitions, to investing in accountability and aligning international support behind locally led reform.