Institutions and traditional ideas of governance and top-down decision making are being challenged by new arrangements, technologies and players. Globalization has brought an increased understanding that we live in a connected world. We recognize that many of the new challenges we face require collective action. Although countries are important contributors, ideas and solutions are increasingly coming from partnerships between civil society, business, academia and other actors. Forming partnerships based on the recognition of mutual interest and common cause is a hallmark of GRID-Arendal’s approach.