environmental racism

Informal meeting of the Chairs of the Subsidiary Bodies of UNFCCC with Observers

The SBI, at its thirty-fourth session, invited the presiding officers to increase opportunities for regular briefings and debriefings as a means for dialogue for observer organizations with presiding officers and Parties.  Such meetings have been a good opportunity for the SBI and SBSTA Chairs to keep observer organizations (admitted non-governmental organizations, admitted intergovernmental organizations and UN organizations) informed of the work of the subsidiary bodies and for observer organizations to share their views with the SB Chairs on the work of the subsidiary bodies.

Objective:

The objective of this meeting is for the SB Chairs to update interested observer organizations on the current planning for the June session and informal activities that have been planned and to create space for observer organizations to share their views and expectations on the organization and the work of the SBs.

Description:

The briefing will be a webinar-style virtual meeting with 75 minutes in duration. The invitation will be sent to all UNFCCC observer organizations. The SB Chairs will open the meeting, provide updates on respective areas of work and invite participants to share their views both on the substance and the planning of the June session. Due to the potentially high number of participants, it is foreseen that the NGO Constituencies will be given the floor then interested IGOs and UN present at the meeting will be invited.

Contact/Additional Information:  Megumi Endo at mendo@unfccc.int, or the Climate Observer Organizations Liaison at cool@unfccc.int.

When it’s time for the live event on Microsoft Teams, (15:00 CEST or 9:00am EST) click here: Join live event

Conference ID: 156 375 441#

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org

Imagining the Carbon-Neutral Future: Transformations in Energy and Transport

Session 2 of the UN DESA Global Policy Dialogues for Climate Action

Wednesday, 28 April 2021, 8:30-10 a.m. EDT

Energy and transport can be agents of sustainable urban and rural development that prioritize equity and inclusion while also moving us closer to our zero-carbon goals. This session, the second in a four-part series on “Building a Global Coalition for Sustainability after COVID-19,” will bring together leading voices in the fields of clean energy and sustainable transport with experts from the UN system to discuss practical solutions and ways to reform these systems minimizing their effect on the environment, in the context of recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organized with UN-Habitat, the event will also discuss cross-cutting issues such as financing, governance, gender, data and statistics, as well as how the world can best make systemic transformations to a more sustainable world while leaving no one behind.

Register here by 27 April 2021: bit.ly/climate28april

More information: bit.ly/DESAdialogues

The event is free and open to all, and will be streamed live on UN DESA’s Facebook page. The event will be held in English with captions available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.

River Missionaries, Deforestation, and COVID-19

Rodrigo Pedroso is a Brazilian journalist who reports for CNN. As part of the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Journalism Fund, his project “River Missionaries: The Catholic Counteroffensive in the Amazon” explores the dynamics and work of Catholic missionaries in an area where evangelical Christians and the theology of prosperity are booming alongside deforestation.

In this conversation, Pedroso will share the stories of parishes struggling to survive and missionaries who serve hard-to-reach villages in the Amazon region. He will be joined by Niyanta Spelman, founder and CEO of Rainforest Partnership, and the two will discuss the role of religious communities in combatting deforestation, as well as how Catholic, Indigenous, and local communities in the Amazon have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The dialogue will be moderated by Rev. Fletcher Harper, executive director of GreenFaith.

This event is part of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs collaboration with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

Register here: https://georgetown.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kY_8mGHbTz6K3KNAEX3kYQ

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit facebook.com/NGOCoRIP

COP26: Glasgow Climate Change Conference

The COP26 UN climate change conference set to take place in Glasgow in November 2020 has been postponed due to COVID-19.  This decision has been taken by the COP Bureau of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), with the UK and its Italian partners.

Dates for a rescheduled conference in 2021, hosted in Glasgow by the UK in partnership with Italy, have been set to 1-12 November 2021.

In light of the ongoing, worldwide effects of COVID-19, holding an ambitious, inclusive COP26 in November 2020 was no longer possible. Rescheduling will ensure all parties can focus on the issues to be discussed at this vital conference and allow more time for the necessary preparations to take place. We will continue to work with all involved to increase climate ambition, build resilience and lower emissions.

COP 26 side events/exhibits – organizations with admission status in the UNFCCC process and Parties partnering with an admitted organization(s) are eligible to apply for a side event and/or an exhibit, using the side events and exhibits online application system (SEORS) managed by the UNFCCC secretariat. The schedule for its opening for COP 26 will be announced on this site. Eligibility, selection and allocation criteria are available on this webpage.

More COP26 info from the host country provided here: ukcop26.org

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org

The Kyoto Declaration: Next Steps for Civil Society & Faith-Based Organizations

We are happy to announce the next Webinar from the Coalition of Faith-Based Organizations:
The Kyoto Declaration: Next steps of the Civil Society & Faith-Based Organizations
A Review of the 14th UN-Congress on Crime Prevention in Japan last Month, where we held an Ancillary Meeting
Following up on the recent Kyoto Crime Congress of UNODC (March 7-12, 2021) this webinar will discuss the Kyoto Declaration (https://undocs.org/A/CONF.234/L.6) and next steps that should be taken by FBOs, and civil society in general, to effectively move forward in reducing crime, preventing violence, contributing to SDG16, promoting the rule of law, and reforming systems of criminal justice.
Moderators:
Michael Platzer and Thomas Walsh, Co-Chairs, Coalition of FBOs
Panelists:
• Jean-Luc Lemahieu, Director, Division for Policy Analysis and Public Affairs, UNODC
• Amb. Takeshi Hikihara, Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Vienna
• Lucie Leonard, Director, Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics
• Anna Alvazzi del Frate, Chair, Alliance of NGOs for Criminal Justice
• Ian Tennant, Manager, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GITOC) Resilience Fund, Vienna
• Irvin Waller, Author, Science and Secrets of Ending Violent Crime

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, please visit rngos.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bknotts@uua.org. or bobbinassar@gmail.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org

What’s Next on Financing for Development (FfD)? Reflections and Mapping a Way Forward

As the Financing for Development Forum comes to a close this week, the FfD process cannot afford to be locked into agreed calendar dates when the world is faced with an unprecedented and unpredictable crisis. There remains a concerning mismatch between the scale of challenges facing us and the inability of the current FfD process modalities to generate the necessary political consensus for the ambitious decisions that are urgently required.

In the context of the current multi-layered global crisis, agreeing on the next FfD conference would be crucial to work towards consensus on a global economic system that could foster systemic reforms while promoting human rights, gender equality, social equity and environmental justice. However, with the decision on where and when to hold the next conference being postponed to next year, it is imperative to explore new modalities to further advance the FfD Follow-up process. This side event will catalyse much-needed reflections on the informal and formal FfD discussions that have unfolded so far and map a way forward.

Moderator: Representative from Civil Society FfD Group

Speakers (tbc):

  • President of ECOSOC
  • Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the UN
  • Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN
  • Permanent Representative of Netherlands to the UN
  • Permanent Representative of Fiji to the UN

Register here!

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org.

From Theory to Praxis: Climate Justice Implementation Strategies and Best-Practices

At the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, we are ready for the second webinar of our new series “#ClimateJustice 4 All: An Approach to Intersectional and Feminist #ClimateAction” in partnership with the Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy.

Join us before #EarthDay2021 with International Human Rights Lawyer and Member of Women and Gender Constituency, UNFCCC Kavita Naidu,Shadow Secretary of State for Justice in England David Lammy, and Executive Director of Indigenous Climate Action Eriel Deranger. Learn about how we can effectively tackle racial, social, and climate injustice, and the challenges as well as opportunities to consider for intersectional climate action.

Register here!

The session will emphasize climate movements as well as traditional ecological knowledge and will investigate the role of social justice when tackling the climate emergency.

During this webinar, participants get an introduction to the landscape of diverse projects tackling climate change with an intersectional approach. Implementation strategies, and improving already existing environmental programs or movements lie at the heart of this session. After listening to best practices and occurring challenges, participants will get the opportunity to share their thoughts and exchange their vision towards inclusive climate action!

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit facebook.com/NGOCoRIP.

Financing Nature-based Solutions is Path to Holistic and Equitable Recovery from Pandemic

Financing Nature-based Solutions is Path to Holistic and Equitable Recovery from Pandemic: COVID recovery and our planet’s repair must be the two sides of the same coin

A Side-Event of the ECOSOC 2021 Financing for Development Forum from the NGO Committee on Financing for Development – Climate Finance Working Group, Co-Sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations & the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations

This side-event will showcase climate adaptation finance focusing on nature-based solutions as holistic and greener path to restore well-being of peoples and recovery from COVID-19 pandemic.  Panelists will speak  to their organizational initiative on financing NbS, current initiative, success as well as challenges and gaps. It is the hope of this forum to present recommendations calling all stakeholders to finance a more robust and stronger holistic and greener response to pandemic recovery and protection of nature while addressing the socio-economic aspects. 

Speakers: 

  • Introduction & Welcome: Marvie L. Misolas, Lead Organizer 
  • Moderator: Ms. Gail Davis-Carter
  • Keynote Speaker: Ms. Zdenka Piskulich, Executive Director, Costa Rica Por Siempre –
  • H.E. Ambassador Rodrigo A. Carazo, Permanent Representative, Mission of Costa Rica to the UN
  • H. E. Ambassador E. Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative,  Mission of Jamaica to the UN
  • Glaston White,  Director, Half Moon Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative, a Community-based Reef Restoration Initiative in Jamaica 
  • Brandon Hay, Science Officer, Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation
  • Paul Smith,  Adaptation Finance Team Lead, UNEP Finance Initiative
  • Martina Dorigo, Program Analyst, Adaptation Fund  

Organizers:  

Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Inc., United  Religions Initiative, ManUpCampaign, ListenGive Initiative & The Creators 2020 UN SDGs Arts & Youth Initiative, Global Distribution Advocates, Inc., United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, Africa Development Interchange Network 

Co-Sponsoring Organizations: Misean Cara, Don Bosco Aid Ireland, Salesian Missions, Inc. 

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.

Environmental Justice, The Climate Crisis and People of African Descent

Greetings from Geneva.

The Working Group of experts on people of African descent would like to invite you to participate in its 28th public virtual session entitled “Environmental Justice, The Climate Crisis & People of African Descent” from 24 to 26 March 2021 at 14:00 – 16:00 CET.

This thematic session will discuss human rights solutions to address environmental injustice, racial disparities, unequal protection and the unique impact of the climate crisis and environmental racism on people of African descent.  It will involve a comprehensive look at various aspects of environmental racism and the climate crisis locally and globally. 

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions the 28th session and civil society consultation will be public virtual meetings broadcast on UNWebTV and using the remote simultaneous interpretation platform Interprefy for speakers.

Watch live at webtv.un.org Listen live at listen-live.unog.ch

We encourage all civil society representatives who would like to be added to the speakers list for these events to send confirmation indicating name of speaker, organization, email address and date of intervention to: africandescent@ohchr.orgcsaunders@ohchr.org and jfucio@ohchr.org asap. The link for participation and instruction on how to use the Interprefy platform will be sent to speakers one day prior to the events. We would also be grateful if statements are sent in advance labelled with the speaker’s name and date of intervention which will facilitate the work of the interpreters.

  • Wednesday, March 24 thematic discussion: Environmental Racism Earth, Wind & Fire (and water)
  • Thursday, March 25 thematic discussion: Race and the Climate Crisis: Preparedness & response
  • Friday, March 26 thematic discussion: Environmental Racism, the Climate Crisis and reparatory justice

Further information and documents will be posted on the website: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Racism/WGAfricanDescent/Pages/Session28.aspx

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes,

WGEPAD Secretariat

Participate via social media #WGEPAD #africandescent #fightracism

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Human Rights, please email the co-chairs at bknotts@uua.org or bobbinassar@gmail.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit ngocsdvienna.org.

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