CLIVAR, through its structure (Figure)  and activities promotes international collaboration and cooperation, increasing the global scientific capacity beyond regional and institutional capabilities. Intra group/panel collaboration is promoted alongside liaison with the WCRP sister programs, GEWEX, CliC and SPARC. Some panels and groups are organized jointly with other WCRP components and partner organisations, such as the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGBP) and Global Ocean Observing Systems (GOOS).

Each group/panel meets regularly to address research priorities in the scientific knowledge, develop best practices, guidelines and recommendations for the community as a whole and promote scientific capacity development.