Beyond the Dominant Narrative: Middle Power Strategies Forge a New Path to Net-Zero

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The global energy transition is no longer associated with the advancements of the developed countries; middle power nations are now leading the way with contextual strategies that forge an inclusive path to net-zero.

Amid a global leadership vacuum following the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, middle power nations have stepped forward as the primary architects and drivers of climate action. This message was central to the panel titled "Middle Powers Rising! How Countries Turn Climate Action into Growth Engines in the 21st Century" at the Indonesia Net-Zero Summit 2025, held on July 26, 2025, at Djakarta Theater, Jakarta.

For context, a "middle power" is a term for countries in the middle of the international power spectrum, positioned below superpowers. These nations use their diplomatic, economic, and normative influence to shape global governance, often acting as balancing forces or consensus-builders, without possessing the military or economic resources of a superpower.

Examples of middle powers include Indonesia, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil, and South Africa. Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates are also frequently categorized as middle powers based on their diplomatic roles and strategies.

Moderator Dr. Dino Patti Djalal opened the discussion by affirming that the stage for climate leadership is now open. "The U.S. pullout was a big deal... Who's going to lead after one of the biggest players has pulled out? The answer is middle powers," he said. He defined a middle power as a nation that is not a superpower but possesses the influence, size, and ambition to play an active global role, citing examples like Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Australia, and Indonesia.

The panel's focus then shifted to the concrete strategies these countries are designing to align high economic growth with net-zero targets.

Based on the panel discussion featuring representatives from Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and Turkey, it can be summarized that the support middle power countries must provide for the energy transition includes the following strategic pillars:

1. Building Contextual and Holistic Green Strategies

2. Designing Credible Funding and Investment Mechanisms

3. Ensuring a Just and Inclusive Transition

4. Strengthening International Leadership and Collaboration

5. Implementing Foundational Policy and Institutional Reforms

6. Managing Political Dynamics and External Pressures

In conclusion, middle power nations must not be mere spectators or followers in the global energy transition. They possess the unique capacity, regional influence, and specific needs to become its primary architects and drivers. The key to success lies in bold, contextual, and just strategies, supported by strong political leadership and equitable international collaboration. They can "write a new symphony" for green growth, as metaphorically expressed by the representative from Brazil.

This discussion underscores a paradigm shift in global climate governance. The narrative that the green transition can only be led by developed (Western) nations is being gradually dismantled. Middle power nations, with their unique characteristics and needs, are instead demonstrating concrete leadership.

Rewatch the Session "Middle Powers Rising! How Countries Turn Climate Action into Growth Engines in the 21st Century" at Indonesia Net-Zero Summit 2025