On 5-6 May 2026, Budapest hosted the Conservative Think Tank Forum 2026, an international gathering organized by the Climate Policy Institute in partnership with leading policy institutions committed to advancing a pragmatic, evidence-based approach to climate and energy governance. Bringing together 25 conservative, climate-focused think tanks, the Forum marked the launch of a new international cooperation platform dedicated to balancing environmental responsibility with economic realism, energy security, and national sovereignty.
The Forum was established to create a structured dialogue among like-minded institutions working at the intersection of climate policy, energy security, and economic development, while laying the foundations for long-term cooperation. Discussions focused on four core pillars:
- Energy Security & Economic Competitiveness
- National Sovereignty in Climate Governance
- Pragmatic, Evidence-Based Environmental Policy
- Nature, Communities & Implementation
The two-day Forum featured keynote addresses by Professor Samuel Furfari, on Think Tanks and Climate Governance: Advancing Evidence-Based Policy, and Dr. Mandeep K. Mahendru, on Financial Well-being and Climate Governance for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth. Their contributions framed a wider discussion on how climate action can be pursued in ways that are economically sound, socially balanced, and politically realistic.
The second day focused on institutional presentations, thematic roundtables, and a World Café format discussion designed to move cooperation from dialogue to action. Participants exchanged practical experiences, identified shared priorities, and explored opportunities for joint initiatives in research, policy development, and implementation.
A key outcome of the Forum was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Cooperation, establishing a framework for joint research, coordinated communication, pilot projects, knowledge exchange, and annual meetings. The Memorandum reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation and to advancing climate policy that respects environmental priorities while ensuring affordability, energy resilience, and economic competitiveness.
The Conservative Think Tank Forum 2026 marks the beginning of a new international platform for cooperation, one dedicated to broadening climate policy dialogue through practical governance, intellectual exchange, and evidence-based solutions. With plans for annual continuation, the Forum has laid the foundation for a lasting and constructive global partnership on climate and energy policy.
