Air quality is deteriorating worldwide and now leads to an estimated 7 million premature deaths every year. Transportation is a major driver of both air pollution and climate change. Transport accounts for roughly one-fifth of global CO2 emissions, and road vehicles (cars, trucks, and buses) are responsible for about three-quarters of that share. Shifting to zero-emission vehicles offers a clear path to achieving global health, climate, and mobility goals.
Between now and 2050, most new vehicle demand growth will be in emerging economies. Communities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America are already innovating, from electric two- and three-wheelers to growing electric bus fleets. But the fastest progress happens where there are strong, clear government policies, and without support, emerging markets risk locking in polluting vehicles for decades.
Our partner set out to close that gap by connecting vehicle electrification leaders across emerging markets so they could learn from one another and build the policies, business leadership, and coalitions that drive change. To support that effort, Camber helped design and grow a community of practice of global leaders and advocates.
Our goal was to design a community of practice built for and by leaders in emerging markets. Together with our partner, we grounded our design work in four principles:
Starting by listening, we facilitated discussions across global partners to shape a peer-driven design, resulting in the launch of a pilot “learning year” to test and refine the structure. This year-long effort culminated in an in-person convening of 75 members from 16 countries, focused on reflection and forward-looking iteration.
In the second year, the community co-designed a shared learning curriculum built around the challenges and opportunities members identified themselves, brought to life through peer-led sessions and regional and global meetings.
Throughout, members led design, learning, and strategy to shape the community’s direction. Camber helped put the supporting infrastructure in place, including shared resources, communication channels, and multilingual access, so members could connect easily and participate fully in a fully collaborative space.
What began as a small, carefully designed space has grown into a community of more than 200 members across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and represents one of the most robust peer-to-peer spaces in the global vehicle electrification community.
The community’s strength lies in true collaboration among partners in emerging markets, who have long driven change in their own regions, but often without the opportunity to engage in south-south learning. A dedicated space to exchange what’s working, from policy design to business models, has helped build the coalitions that ensure strong government policies take hold.
Ultimately, the community supports emerging markets to drive development goals without polluting vehicles, delivering cleaner air, stronger economies, and a safer climate, led and sustained by the people it serves.
We work with changemakers across the social sector—from local non-profits to global multilaterals—to drive measurable impact.
