Australia to Co-Chair NDC Partnership, Joining Brazil to Advance Country-Led Climate Action
7 Nov. 2025 — Australia has announced it will step in as Co-Chair of the NDC Partnership in January 2026, joining Brazil to lead a coalition of more than 250 countries and institutions advancing country-led climate action worldwide.
Australia will succeed Denmark as countries begin delivering on their recently updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — climate pledges updated every five years under the Paris Agreement.
The NDC Partnership supports more than 100 developing countries in designing and implementing their NDCs. Under the leadership of Australia and Brazil, the NDC Partnership will further scale this support. As the only global coalition focused on mobilizing and coordinating technical assistance and funding for NDCs, the NDC Partnership ensures all available resources are efficiently deployed to meet countries’ climate priorities. With limited resources available for climate action, this coordinated support is critical for countries to realize development gains from climate action — safeguarding lives, livelihoods and economies for decades to come.
Australia submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in September 2025, marking a practical step forward on climate action and unlocking new economic opportunities. The NDC sets a 2035 target to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 62–70% below 2005 levels, following the recommendation of the independent Climate Change Authority. It is supported by a whole-of-economy Net Zero Plan and six sector-specific emissions reduction plans, providing a clear roadmap for a fair, orderly and efficient transition to a decarbonized economy. Australia is also strengthening international partnerships to accelerate global climate action and working with other countries to achieve their decarbonization goals.
Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and incoming Co-Chair of the NDC Partnership: “Australia has committed to an ambitious and achievable climate target, and we look forward to working with Brazil and the NDC Partnership to help other nations seize on the economic opportunity of decarbonization. Australia has a wealth of natural resources, a highly skilled workforce and a clear, sensible government agenda. We are a ready partner as nations decarbonize their economies. As NDC Partnership Co-Chair, I look forward to continuing the great work of this global cooperative initiative and to collaborating with our neighbors in the Asia Pacific and across the world.”
Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities of the Kingdom of Denmark and Co-Chair of the NDC Partnership: “Having witnessed the mobilizing force of the NDC Partnership as Danish co-chair over the last two years, it makes me very pleased to pass the co-chairmanship of the NDC Partnership to Australia — a country with a strong regional voice, that will ensure an even greater focus on the imminent needs of the Pacific region in the climate crisis. I am sure that Australia will prove to be a strong leader of the NDC Partnership which will ensure the vital assistance for more than 100 countries in their efforts to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. Denmark looks forward to working with Australia on implementing the new work program of the Partnership.”
Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil and Co-Chair of the NDC Partnership: “Brazil welcomes Australia with great enthusiasm as Co-Chair of the NDC Partnership. Australia brings a new and fundamental regional perspective at this moment when we are focused on implementation, transforming climate commitments into concrete action on the ground. This partnership focuses on generating results where they matter most: in the communities and countries that are building a sustainable future. Together, Brazil and Australia will work with all partners to accelerate the implementation of the NDCs and amplify the impact of the Paris Agreement on the lives of people, countries and the planet.”
NDC Partnership Global Director Pablo Vieira: “As NDC Partnership Co-Chair, Australia will bring a strong voice from the Pacific region. As climate impacts intensify, we need leadership that understands what it means to be in community, on the frontlines of climate change — not only the challenges it poses but also the opportunities that come from tackling it head-on. This next phase of climate action requires that we all move more quickly to achieve results through strong, lasting collaboration.”
Australia has been a member of the NDC Partnership since 2016. As Co-Chair, alongside Brazil, Australia will provide political leadership, guidance and oversight to direct the collective work of the membership.
For a full list of the countries supporting climate action through the NDC Partnership, please refer to the membership webpage.
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About the NDC Partnership: The NDC Partnership is a global coalition, bringing together more than 250 members, including more than 140 countries, developed and developing, and more than 110 institutions to deliver on ambitious climate action that helps achieve the Paris Agreement and drive sustainable development.
For media inquiries: Caity Pinkard, Press and Outreach Specialist, NDC Partnership Support Unit: [email protected]