What exactly am I going to do? I will part of initiative called UNfairplay (http://unfairplay.info/, don't try .com! ;)), our aim can be summarised to support the voice of underrepresented delegations.
There is a big discrepancy between the presence different delegations are able to show at the Climate negotiations. Some big industry nations, like my own country Germany, send hundreds of negotiators and advisors; they are well-connected, informed and hence well-positioned to have their opinion heard.
Most developing nations, especially the smallest and economically poorest amongst them, do not have this luxury. Ironically, the nations that are most affected by climate change (small island nations that will soon loose their land if current sea level rises continue) are the least well positioned. If they can afford to send any delegates, it most probably will be a comparatively tiny delegation. Not surprisingly, keeping the overview over the masses of informations and showing presence at all meetings is close to impossible for a delegation with only 2-3 delegates.
That's unfair! Every country should have the chance to have their voice heard.
This is why a group of United World College Students travelled to COP 15 in Copenhagen last year and assisted underrepresented government delegations, mainly the delegation of the small island state Kiribati. The support included taking minutes at meetings and side events and attending some events as Kiribatis representatives. Out of the positive outcomes (they got invited to dinner by Kiribati's president and mentioned in his address to the nation after his return!) grew the idea to continue this initiative in Cancun this year.
Oh, my boarding time is going to be up soon, I better finish. Our immediate plans after my arrival is to host a workshop on UNfairplay on Sunday and to collect our badges.
I'll keep you posted!! :)
How many students from LPC are going?
ReplyDeleteAlso, will the other more developed nations actually do anything serious? There always seems to be a lot reluctance to do anything about tackling climate change in those countries.
Hey,
ReplyDeleteIt's just me. I hope they will! Last year it seemed that the biggest "break" to the negotiations actually was China backed by India, so let's hope they've rethought some of their attitudes!