The Meridian Collective: Davos 2026

The Meridian Collective: Subnational Energy Action & Collabration Hub The launch of The Meridian Collective at Davos 2026 marked a defining moment in global energy transition discourse by placing subnational leadership at the center of delivery. While national governments set climate ambition, the dialogue reaffirmed a shared reality: success is ultimately determined by states, provinces, and regions that translate commitments into action on the ground. Convened as a closed-door, high-impact dialogue, the inaugural gathering brought together senior subnational leaders and global stakeholders to focus on implementation rather than intent. The session was designed to move beyond broad strategy and explore how subnational governments can overcome systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, fragmented delivery tools, and the absence of proven, scalable transition models. The dialogue featured senior subnational leaders from India, Indonesia, and Brazil, each offering grounded perspectives from their respective jurisdictions. Drawing from lived experience, the leaders highlighted the growing convergence between climate ambition and development priorities at the subnational level. Across contexts, a consistent message emerged: collaboration among subnational governments is no longer optional. It is essential for accelerating energy transition at scale, particularly in complex sectors where implementation authority lies outside national capitals. Discussions centered on three priority areas that will anchor the work of the Meridian Collective going forward. First, decarbonization of industry, with a focus on enabling large and medium industries such as steel and cement to transition toward renewable energy through subnational planning, infrastructure development, and regulatory alignment. Second, just transition capability, emphasizing the need for state-led interventions that prioritize workforce upskilling, employment generation, and social protection to ensure people remain at the center of the transition. Third, the critical minerals ecosystem, examining how subnational partnerships can responsibly fast-track exploration, mining, and processing while strengthening domestic value chains and reducing global supply risks. Beyond thematic focus, the session underscored the need for a dedicated platform that connects implementers across geographies. Participants reflected on how the Meridian Collective can function as a practical hub for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, technology and solution sharing, and joint advocacy to unlock finance tailored to subnational needs. Rather than creating another forum for declarations, the Collective was positioned as a space for co-developing replicable delivery models and amplifying subnational voices in global climate conversations. The founding dialogue concluded with a shared recognition that accelerating energy transition requires moving from isolated efforts to coordinated action across borders. With leaders from India, Indonesia, Brazil, and South Africa forming the initial coalition, the Meridian Collective now enters its next phase focused on deepening engagement, expanding membership, and supporting subnational governments in translating ambition into measurable, on-the-ground impact.