Whether described as a partnership, a coalition, a network, an alliance, a community of practice or any other term, collective action is the most effective option for tackling the multifaceted challenges of health-climate impacts. As an operational principal generally and in the SEARO health-climate action plan specifically, WHO gives high priority to partnerships and cross-sectoral collaborations. That commitment creates an opening for advocates to get involved in building health-climate resilience.

Alliances come in many forms. They can be short-term or long-term, issue-specific or general, in-person or online. They may emphasise awareness-raising, policy change or community organising. Each may revolve around a different level of cooperation. In the end, though, the key elements of an alliance for advocacy are: 1) a shared understanding of and commitment to making a certain set of changes and 2) a clear vision for how each can contribute to the effort.

Partners may have a lot to offer. They can make your voice stronger by lending credibility, adding capacity, expanding the reach of your messages and providing access to new funding. They can also demonstrate support for your position and provide cover if the issue becomes contentious.

That said, these arrangements require a heavy investment of time and energy in building trust, managing cooperation and making decisions. On occasion, you may even have to compromise or cede some control in order to make progress.

Partnerships can also bring government and non-government interests together. Health-climate advocacy is likely to require some engagement with government decision-makers, whether at local, regional or national levels. This may not be the case with awareness-raising activities targeting the public, but some degree of communication and coordination with officials or elected leaders may contribute to a better informed and better supported effort.

Who can be an advocate?

A stereotypical idea of an advocate is someone outside government, pushing for change and, sometimes, working in opposition. The reality, though, is that change depends in large part on leaders and officials inside government who are willing to stand up for change. Collaboration among a range of actors is essential to meeting the challenge of building health-climate resilience. WHO sees partnerships as a key operational strategy.

Potential health-climate partners

• Community members and community-based organisations
• Local or regional health officers
• Local government leaders and officials
• Government officials at all levels
• Elected leaders at all levels
• Hospital and clinic leaders
• Medical student and other student associations
• Research and medical institutions
• Non-governmental and other civil society organisations
• National government leaders and officials
• WHO country offices

Download the Partnership checklist