This paper argues that post-Rio+20 changes to international institutions and the new global sustainable development goals should give priority to climate change and poor and vulnerable countries. The paper emphasises challenges for poor and vulnerable countries in a world where advancing climate change is likely to pose an increasing threat to sustainable development and human security. It considers proposed changes to international institutions following the Rio+20 conference and the proposed new global sustainable development goals, expected to build on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It highlights that the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol recognise that particularly vulnerable countries require special attention arguing that this should also be reflected in changes to international institutions and in the new sustainable development goals.