Executive summary The past decade from 2015 to 2024 has seen the 10 warmest years on record,2 while 75% of the Earth’s land surface has been significantly altered by human actions.3 Clearly, traditional approaches to tackling the climate and nature crises are no longer sufficient. To drive systemic change at speed and scale requires multi-stakeholder partnerships. While there is extensive research highlighting the urgency for collaboration, success stories remain rare, as real- world dynamics prove more challenging than theory. Whether new to partnerships or not, this white paper aims to help organizations think more strategically about working with diverse stakeholders. While there is no single “right” approach, this report offers practical insights, tested approaches and key considerations to build strong collaborations that deliver tangible, scalable impact. Drawing on dozens of interviews and case studies of selected World Economic Forum GAEA Award winners and finalists, the paper discusses practical lessons across three collaboration models: 1. Joint ventures and strategic alliances: businesses in the same industry or value chain that work together to improve sustainability. Success hinges on equitable representation, shared decision-making, long-term commitment and enabling external conditions. 2. Industry-wide alliances: member-based coalitions that unite organizations within or across sectors with common goals. The key with these alliances is to balance the broad influence generated by more members with the deep engagement possible among fewer members. It is equally vital to set clear objectives, commit to realistic targets and engage members long-term. 3. Cross-sector partnerships: a mix of public, private and philanthropic collaborations (in any combination) that create enabling policies, infrastructure and initiatives. Success comes from maintaining strong alignment and engagement across diverse stakeholders, measuring and communicating impact effectively and ensuring scalability. Transformative partnerships are complex and require rigorous strategic alignment, planning and relationship-building at every stage. Whether an organization is establishing, implementing or scaling-up a partnership, it is essential that they successfully navigate evolving challenges across each stage of the process to maintain engagement and momentum. Lessons learned in partnership-building The case studies presented in this report illustrate the following three stages of partnership-building and some important lessons arising at each stage: 1. Establishing collaboration: Begin small, with highly committed members; or adapt an existing platform to build momentum. 2. Building trust and measuring impact: Establish structured governance to foster trust and transparency. Tracking impact requires a pragmatic and flexible approach, seeking meaningful progress rather than perfection. 3. Expanding and deepening collaboration: Build scalability into the model from the start. A fundamental factor in creating successful partnerships across every stage outlined above is the ability of each partner to be a strong collaborator. To achieve this, leaders should integrate the following five enablers within their own organizations: –Enabler 1: Clear strategy and ambition. –Enabler 2: Cross-functional alignment. –Enabler 3: Collaborative mindset and culture. –Enabler 4: Long-term planning and flexibility. –Enabler 5: Dedicated resourcing, capabilities and skills. Investing in these areas is crucial to optimize the conditions that drive breakthroughs and foster high-impact partnerships.Successful partnerships can take different forms – but common success factors include a clear strategy, strong collaboration, flexibility and dedicated resourcing. Making Collaboration Work for Climate and Nature: Practical Insights from GAEA Award Winners 4