As the world edges deeper into geopolitical uncertainty, climate advocates are warning that the costs could extend far beyond the battlefield, from diverted public funds to delayed climate action. With two major global climate convenings just around the corner, the Santa Marta Conference on transitioning away from fossil fuels, and COP31 later this year, the urgency to align regional priorities has never been greater. At a recent regional gathering convened by Climate Action Network Southeast Asia and its partners, stakeholders came together to chart a path forward that prioritises energy sovereignty and a just transition away from fossil fuels. We speak to Nithi Nesadurai, Director & Regional Coordinator at Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA), about the outcomes of that meeting, and what is at stake in the lead-up to these critical global discussions.