Research and practice to scale co-creation and reflection: How can we strengthen a relational culture of communication for climate action at COP28 in Dubai?

This RIFS discussion paper presents preliminary insights from transdisciplinary research on the Co-Creative Reflection and Dialogue Space (CCRDS) implemented at the 25th, 26th and 27th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP). The transformative research design and findings from over six years of dedicated experimentation with different participatory formats and design principles at the CCRDS are emphasised. The aim was to better understand the communication culture at the COP and to orientate the experimental formats towards reflecting the rich and diverse perspectives, knowledge, and potential of COP participants. A key objective was thereby to better understand whether participatory and reflective formats can support individual and collective climate action. Building on this, CCRDS research and practice design at COP 28 is presented, which aims to understand more relational communication practices as a way to more effective and supportive communication pathways and to work with other organisations and individuals to scale these efforts.