The world stands at a decisive juncture in the fight against climate change. Rising global temperatures, record-breaking extreme weather, and accelerating biodiversity loss are reshaping societies and economies worldwide. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and economic rivalries are straining multilateral cooperation on this most vital of shared challenges. More than ever, the question of how nations can work together on climate action sits at the core of global diplomacy.

A decade ago, the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) set out to answer this question, and in the process transformed the global framework for addressing the climate crisis. It was a watershed moment, signaling both shared responsibility and renewed hope that humanity could unite to confront one of its most urgent threats. Significant progress has since been made, from the rollout of the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) and establishment of Implementation and Compliance Committee (PAICC) in governance to the rapid rise of renewable energy and electric vehicles in global markets. Yet gaps remain, from the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge remaining unfulfilled and failures to meet emissions reduction targets to the US, a vital partner, withdrawing twice from the accord.

As the world marks the Paris Agreement’s tenth anniversary, CEIBS will welcome Laurent Fabius, former Prime Minister of France and President of the COP21 Paris Climate Conference, to deliver a keynote speech on “Climate Diplomacy in the 21st Century: Lessons from the Paris Agreement for China, Europe, and the World.” As architect of COP21, Prime Minister Fabius was instrumental in shepherding the Paris Agreement to completion. This role, along with his experience at the height of French politics and international diplomacy, mean that he brings unique insight and rare hands-on experience into what it takes to achieve consensus on a global scale, and how these lessons can inform today’s increasingly urgent climate agenda.

In an era of resurgent unilateralism and fragmented international norms, can climate change remain a global priority? How can coordinated, cross-border solutions be advanced in a shifting world order? And does inconsistency in US climate policy open the door for deeper EU–China collaboration? Through a keynote address and interactive discussion, this event will engage these vital questions and more at a moment of both urgency and opportunity.

Event Details

Date: Oct. 18 (Saturday), 2025
Time: 14:00-17:00
Venue: CEIBS Shanghai Campus

Agenda

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