From 7-18 November 2016, adelphi’s experts on climate diplomacy, climate resilience, local climate action, and more, were in Marrakech for the COP22 discussions and key side-events. In cooperation with the EU, the German Federal Foreign Office, NEPAD and other partners, adelphi convened and was involved in several side-events on climate diplomacy:
Long before the Paris Agreement, scientists, engineers, business men and women, public officials, academicians and non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) throughout the United States and the world were hard at work in solving the myriad of problems associated with anthropogenic climate change.
The UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) will be the third in a series that began in 1976. It brings together diverse urban actors such as governments, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, academic institutions and other interest groups to generate a renewed political commitment to sustainable urban development and a “New Urban Agenda” for the 21st century.
Find more information here.
Under Western Skies (UWS) is a biennial, interdisciplinary conference series on the environment. The fourth conference organizers invite prospective researchers, authors, artists, and presenters to consider submitting proposals for oral and poster presentations as well as workshops and panels.
The Climate Chance summit aims at bringing together all non-state actors involved in the fight against climate change, involving local authorities, associations, trade unions, scientific organisations and citizens. Taking place just a few weeks before Habitat III and the COP22, the summit aims to develop new common messages from non-state actors to strengthen commitment for climate action.
Find more information here.
2015 was a banner year for international commitments to address climate change. However, as countries take steps to implement National Adaptation Plans and cut emissions, policymakers and practitioners may find themselves grappling with the unintended consequences of climate action. How climate responses are developed and implemented could increase the vulnerability of populations and contribute to political instability.
The online course "Climate Change Diplomacy: Negotiating Effectively under the UNFCCC" aims at enhancing the participants' understanding of the global climate change policy framework. It includes modules on the science, causes and impacts of climate change, climate change mitigation and adaptation, the history of the policy making process and the UNFCCC framework, and the follow-up of COP21 and future climate agreements.
Under the topic "Integrative Risk Management - towards resilient cities" the IDRC Davos 2016 addresses researchers from the various disciplines, experts and practitioners, policy and decision makers, representatives from UN, IGOs, NGOs and the private sector. IDRC Davos 2016 contributes to the post-Sendai process and will cover different risk and disaster areas and cross cutting themes such as resilience, urban risks, mega catastrophes, sustainable development, climate change adaptation, underlying risks, and more.
The conferenced will be organised by the World Health Organization and the Government of France with the objective to showcase how the public health community will support the implementation of the Paris agreement, in order to build healthier and more sustainable societies.
The conference will define a post COP21 action agenda for the implementation of the Paris agreement for healthier and more sustainable societies, to be supported by the creation of a Global Platform on Health and Climate. Moreover, the conference will result in the following specific outputs:
The 7th Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation is being organized by ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability. With over 400 participants from different expert and practitioner communities, it offers insights on current trends and good networking opportunities. More information on this year’s focus topics and registration is available online. Please also watch the video invitation from the Mayor of Bonn, Ashok Sridharan.
The first World Humanitarian Summit will take place in Istanbul on 23-24 May 2016. It is an initiative of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and managed by UN OCHA. Source: World Humanitarian Summit
The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) will convene for the second time (UNEA-2) in 2016. The UNEA of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) represents the highest level of governance of international environmental affairs in the UN system.
The Bonn Climate Change Conference convenes from 16 to 26 May 2016 at the World Conference Center Bonn, in Bonn, Germany. The meeting comprises the 44th sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI 44) and Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA 44), as well as the first session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA 1).
This conference is expected to lead to major progress in climate change adaptation, and fosters an exchange of innovative and practical ideas, experiences and insights among governments, businesses, researchers and civil society from around the world. The conference will examine and discuss the latest adaptation research, as well as have an Adaptation Practice Expo and Business Fair, which will include stands, matchmaking facilities and signing ceremonies, and showcase cutting edge adaptation projects.
Announced at the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the UNFCCC, Climate Action 2016 will convene government, business and municipal leaders, civil society and academia to maintain momentum for multi-stakeholder climate implementation.
The aim of the GCPC 2016 conference will be to discuss actionable research ideas that can help advance the implementation of developing countries’ Paris pledges and to address other key issues in the climate arena.
The President of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), Mogens Lykketoft, will convene a high-level thematic debate on sustainable development, climate change and financing. This event is one of three high-level events the President will convene during UNGA 70.
Source: IISD.
The 52nd Munich Security Conference will take place from 12 to 14 February 2016. It will bring together heads of state and government, foreign and defense ministers, international and non-governmental organizations, as well as representatives of industry, media, academia, and civil society to discuss key security policy issues. Topics this year include the war in Syria, the refugee catastrophe and the crisis of the European security order.
In the wake of COP21 in Paris, the challenges of slowing climate change and responding to its impacts will be high on the agenda of foreign policy makers. What priorities should shape foreign policy action on climate issues this year and in the decade ahead? What should be the focus of European climate diplomacy?