Sept. 24, 2026 — WRI participated as an observer in the second high-level meeting of the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets (OCCCM), held Sept. 14 in Wuhan, China. The meeting focused on adopting the coalition’s 2026–2030 work plan and identifying priority issues for further work ahead of the UN climate summit (COP31) in November. WRI was one of 14 international organizations participating as an observer in the meeting. As an observer, WRI put forward three main recommendations at the meeting: further expand the participation of developing countries in the coalition; strengthen cooperation on measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) to support effective domestic carbon markets and high-integrity carbon credits; and establish voluntary pilot projects to test solutions before scaling them up. Building on the coalition’s launch in May, the meeting reviewed and adopted the OCCCM Work Plan and Rules of Procedure for the Secretariat, establishing the coalition’s institutional framework and marking its transition into the implementation phase. Discussions also highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation to global climate governance, including collaboration on MRV systems, high-integrity carbon crediting and offsetting mechanisms, and greater coordination among carbon markets. The coalition also welcomed additional countries and organizations to join its efforts. Established at Brazil’s initiative COP30 and formally constituted in May 2026, the OCCCM is chaired by Brazil and co-chaired by China and the European Union. The coalition brings together governments with different experiences in implementing compliance carbon markets and seeks to strengthen cooperation among these systems. Quote from Mirela Sandrini, Executive Director, WRI Brasil:’The adoption of a work program at this second high-level meeting shows the OCCCM has passed its first test. What started as one of the clearest legacies of Brazil’s COP30 presidency is now becoming a functioning body with a concrete roadmap. The real measure of its success, though, will be whether that roadmap translates into practical support for implementing the Paris Agreement — helping countries turn carbon market cooperation into credible, high-integrity systems that accelerate the pace and scale of NDC delivery. Strengthening MRV, promoting mutual recognition among systems and opening space for developing countries to help shape the rules, rather than simply follow them, will be essential to keep that momentum going.’ Quote from Li Fang, Country Director, WRI China:’Greater alignment and interoperability across carbon market rules and methodologies are increasingly important. The next step is to strengthen coordination among existing standards, methodologies and data systems. This will require greater exchange of practical experience, a shared understanding of barriers to mutual recognition and cooperation to develop and implement workable solutions. Where fundamental principles, methodologies and data-quality requirements are sufficiently aligned, different systems can gradually move toward greater mutual recognition and effective linkages.’Quote from David Waskow, Director of WRI’s International Climate Initiative:’We are witnessing a rapid spread of domestic carbon markets and carbon pricing to a much wider range of countries, including a number of emerging economies and developing countries. Effective and high-integrity carbon markets aligned with other national policies can play a critical role in driving climate action in these countries. The OCCCM is an important addition to that landscape — by facilitating cooperation and standard-setting, it can help these carbon markets mobilize real delivery of climate action on the ground while also supporting core social and environmental objectives.’