From UNGA to COP26 & Beyond: The Future of Climate Governance

The recent Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shows that the world has little chance to achieve agreed climate change mitigation targets in our lifetimes given the continued degradation of the environment.

The climate action timelines of many nations are not ambitious enough and current global governance approaches remain weak, lack accountability mechanisms, and are fragmented and siloed. Against this backdrop, this UNGA side event will discuss what new approaches and governance innovations might the international community wish to consider, as a matter of priority for climate action? And what strategies can be considered to ensure that these innovations are implemented?

Read the full concept note and RSVP here: ggin.stimson.org/event/from-unga-to-cop26-beyond-the-future-of-climate-governance

Speakers:

Maja Groff, Convenor, Climate Governance Commission

Richard Ponzio, Senior Fellow and Director, Global Governance, Justice and Security Program at the Stimson Center, and Member of the Climate Governance Commission

Jimena Leiva Roesch, Senior Fellow and Head of Peace and Sustainable Development at the International Peace Institute, and Member of the Climate Governance Commission

Arunabha Ghosh, CEO at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Member of the Climate Governance Commission

Dhabia Al-Mohannadi, Professor, Texas A&M University at Qatar

Katharine Rietig, Associate Professor in International Politics at Newcastle University, and Member of the Climate Governance Network

Michael Collins, Executive Director for the Americas at the Institute for Economics and Peace

Magnus Jiborn, Head of Research, Global Challenges Foundation and Member of the Climate Governance Commission

Moderator: Adriana Erthal Abdenur, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Plataforma CIPÓ and Member of the Climate Governance Commission

Event Co-Sponsors: Climate Governance Commission⎯Global Challenges Foundation, the Stimson Center, Global Governance Forum, Global Governance Innovation Network, Group of Women Leaders for Change & Inclusion, CIVICUS, Doha Forum, Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Plataforma CIPÓ, Baha’i International Community, International Environment Forum, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung New York Office, We The Peoples Campaign, Together First, ACUNS, Common Home of Humanity, the Institute for Economics and Peace, and the Coalition for the UN We Need

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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 Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations, please visit rngos.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.

Autumn kick-off of NGO Committee on Ageing NY

Autumn kick-off of NGO Committee on Ageing regular monthly program

NGO COA-NY and the UNITED NATIONS: Update and a look ahead

Opening: Dr. Cynthia Stuen, Chair, NGO Committee on Ageing

Overview NGO COA’s activities during the past year and looking ahead in terms of its goals for the coming year
Introduction of new members of the Executive Committee, and Chairs of Subcommittees
New Decade of Healthy Ageing Knowledge Platform: decadeofhealthyage

10:30 am – 11:10 am

International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2021 – Ms. Erica Dhar (AARP) and Ms. Magda Kaczmarska (Generations United), Co-chairs of event
NGO participation in UN activities – Ms. Susan Somers (International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) and Ms. Frances Zainoeddin (Soroptimist International)
Standing up for the rights of older persons – an event on 14 October 2021: A focus on the USA and Canada – Dr. Cynthia Stuen, International Federation on Ageing

11:10 am – 11:25 am

Secretary-General’s annual report to the General Assembly
Ms. Amal About Rafeh, Chief, Programme Unit on Ageing, UN/DESA

11:25 – 11:30 am Closing

No registration necessary. Join the meeting via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84134007168

The NGO Committee on Ageing also urges you REGISTER for the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2021.

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CoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Ageing-NY is one of the Substantive Committees of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO). Likewise, for more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Vienna, please visit ngoageingvie.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Geneva, please visit ageingcommitteegeneva.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity, please email the vice chair at susanneseperson@gmail.com.

Autumn kick-off of NGO Committee on Ageing NY

Autumn kick-off of NGO Committee on Ageing regular monthly program

NGO COA-NY and the UNITED NATIONS: Update and a look ahead

Opening: Dr. Cynthia Stuen, Chair, NGO Committee on Ageing

Overview NGO COA’s activities during the past year and looking ahead in terms of its goals for the coming year
Introduction of new members of the Executive Committee, and Chairs of Subcommittees
New Decade of Healthy Ageing Knowledge Platform: decadeofhealthyage

10:30 am – 11:10 am

International Day of Older Persons, 1 October 2021 – Ms. Erica Dhar (AARP) and Ms. Magda Kaczmarska (Generations United), Co-chairs of event
NGO participation in UN activities – Ms. Susan Somers (International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse) and Ms. Frances Zainoeddin (Soroptimist International)
Standing up for the rights of older persons – an event on 14 October 2021: A focus on the USA and Canada – Dr. Cynthia Stuen, International Federation on Ageing

11:10 am – 11:25 am

Secretary-General’s annual report to the General Assembly
Ms. Amal About Rafeh, Chief, Programme Unit on Ageing, UN/DESA

11:25 – 11:30 am Closing

No registration necessary. Join the meeting via Zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84134007168

The NGO Committee on Ageing also urges you REGISTER for the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2021.

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CoNGO Notes: The NGO Committee on Ageing-NY is one of the Substantive Committees of the Conference of NGOs in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO). Likewise, for more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Vienna, please visit ngoageingvie.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Ageing-Geneva, please visit ageingcommitteegeneva.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Intergenerational Solidarity, please email the vice chair at susanneseperson@gmail.com.

Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2021: Demanding Justice Beyond Rhetoric

Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have exacerbated rather than reduced global inequalities. The most visible example of this is the global disparity in the distribution of vaccines. So far more than 60 percent of people in high-income countries have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but less than 2 percent have done so in low-income countries. In view of this dramatic disparity, the “leave no one behind” mantra of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains hollow. In fact, the vested interests of economic elites continue to dominate political decision-making. Given the urgency of the COVID-19 crisis and the other unresolved global problems, most notably the climate emergency, it is high time for transformative policies, strategies and structural changes.

This year’s Spotlight on Sustainable Development Report describes the highly uneven socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and analyses the policy responses to it. It explores beyond the rhetoric, highlighting deepening inequalities, self-serving and hypocritical policies and governance failures at national and international level. Addressing the imbalance in global vaccine production and distribution, the report also examines a few key areas where political and structural changes are necessary to correct the limited and asymmetric recovery. With this virtual launching event, we will present key findings of the report.

Brief snapshots by:

K.M. Gopakumar, Third World Network
Vanita Mukherjee, Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)
Roberto Bissio, Social Watch

Policy conclusions by:

Kate Donald, Center for Economic and Social Right
Daria Cibrario, Public Services International (PSI)
Isabel Ortiz,Global Social Justice

Moderators:

Bodo Ellmers, Global Policy Forum
María Graciela Cuervo, Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)

Register here: rsvp.globalpolicy.org/report-launch-spotlight-on-sustainable-development-2021-demanding-justice-beyond-rhetoric.

Participants will receive the login details one day before the event. Further information on the Spotlight Report 2021 will be available shortly at www.2030spotlight.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 congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org.

Spotlight on Sustainable Development 2021: Demanding Justice Beyond Rhetoric

Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have exacerbated rather than reduced global inequalities. The most visible example of this is the global disparity in the distribution of vaccines. So far more than 60 percent of people in high-income countries have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, but less than 2 percent have done so in low-income countries. In view of this dramatic disparity, the “leave no one behind” mantra of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development remains hollow. In fact, the vested interests of economic elites continue to dominate political decision-making. Given the urgency of the COVID-19 crisis and the other unresolved global problems, most notably the climate emergency, it is high time for transformative policies, strategies and structural changes.

This year’s Spotlight on Sustainable Development Report describes the highly uneven socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and analyses the policy responses to it. It explores beyond the rhetoric, highlighting deepening inequalities, self-serving and hypocritical policies and governance failures at national and international level. Addressing the imbalance in global vaccine production and distribution, the report also examines a few key areas where political and structural changes are necessary to correct the limited and asymmetric recovery. With this virtual launching event, we will present key findings of the report.

Brief snapshots by:

K.M. Gopakumar, Third World Network
Vanita Mukherjee, Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)
Roberto Bissio, Social Watch

Policy conclusions by:

Kate Donald, Center for Economic and Social Right
Daria Cibrario, Public Services International (PSI)
Isabel Ortiz,Global Social Justice

Moderators:

Bodo Ellmers, Global Policy Forum
María Graciela Cuervo, Development Alternatives with Women for a New Era (DAWN)

Register here: rsvp.globalpolicy.org/report-launch-spotlight-on-sustainable-development-2021-demanding-justice-beyond-rhetoric.

Participants will receive the login details one day before the event. Further information on the Spotlight Report 2021 will be available shortly at www.2030spotlight.org

____________________________________________________________________________________________

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 congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org.

Panel discussion on Kiss the Ground documentary & regenerative agriculture

Greetings, Colleagues!
You are warmly invited to join in on a panel discussion on regenerative agriculture this coming Monday, September 13, 7 PM EDT. We have three stellar panelists lined up to discuss the documentary “Kiss the Ground.”
This event is free and open to anyone who’s interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture and how it can stabilize our local foodsheds.

Watch the documentary Kiss the Ground in advance (for free!) if you haven’t already! We will not be showing the film during our panel session, so be sure to check out the instructions below to view it ahead of time. Our panelists are Vel Scott, Stephen Cochenour, and Cody Rakes, and they’ll share some unique perspectives from urban to rural, classroom to community and beyond!

From Loretto Community’s Farm & Land Committee and Loretto Earth Network (LEN):
You may have heard of regenerative agriculture as a practical way to address climate change, but do you know what it is? Join us for a two-part educational series to learn more. All are welcome!
1. Watch the documentary Kiss the Ground at your own convenience before September 13. (See below for instructions on how to access it.)
2. On Monday, 13 September, 2021, at 7:00 pm EDT: Join us for an online panel discussion of the film via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89759791735?pwd=OS94L2RUR3R3bWxhdGJmR05HbVdpdz09

Meeting ID: 897 5979 1735
Passcode: 371451

Instructions on how to access the documentary Kiss the Ground:
If you have time, we encourage you to watch the full length feature version which is 1 hour 25 minutes. Here is the link:

Kiss the Ground full length

Password: viva

Some may be interested but find yourselves short on time. In that case, you have the option of watching this 45 minute educational version:

Kiss the Ground 45 min. educational

Password: schools

The panel discussion will be kick started by your questions and comments. After watching the film, please send any questions or responses to Jessie Rathburn, Loretto Earth Education and Advocacy Coordinator, at jrathburn@lorettocommunity.org.

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

Panel discussion on Kiss the Ground documentary & regenerative agriculture

Greetings, Colleagues!
You are warmly invited to join in on a panel discussion on regenerative agriculture this coming Monday, September 13, 7 PM EDT. We have three stellar panelists lined up to discuss the documentary “Kiss the Ground.”
This event is free and open to anyone who’s interested in learning more about regenerative agriculture and how it can stabilize our local foodsheds.

Watch the documentary Kiss the Ground in advance (for free!) if you haven’t already! We will not be showing the film during our panel session, so be sure to check out the instructions below to view it ahead of time. Our panelists are Vel Scott, Stephen Cochenour, and Cody Rakes, and they’ll share some unique perspectives from urban to rural, classroom to community and beyond!

From Loretto Community’s Farm & Land Committee and Loretto Earth Network (LEN):
You may have heard of regenerative agriculture as a practical way to address climate change, but do you know what it is? Join us for a two-part educational series to learn more. All are welcome!
1. Watch the documentary Kiss the Ground at your own convenience before September 13. (See below for instructions on how to access it.)
2. On Monday, 13 September, 2021, at 7:00 pm EDT: Join us for an online panel discussion of the film via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89759791735?pwd=OS94L2RUR3R3bWxhdGJmR05HbVdpdz09

Meeting ID: 897 5979 1735
Passcode: 371451

Instructions on how to access the documentary Kiss the Ground:
If you have time, we encourage you to watch the full length feature version which is 1 hour 25 minutes. Here is the link:

Kiss the Ground full length

Password: viva

Some may be interested but find yourselves short on time. In that case, you have the option of watching this 45 minute educational version:

Kiss the Ground 45 min. educational

Password: schools

The panel discussion will be kick started by your questions and comments. After watching the film, please send any questions or responses to Jessie Rathburn, Loretto Earth Education and Advocacy Coordinator, at jrathburn@lorettocommunity.org.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Global Interfaith Dialogue on Food Systems

In the run up to the UN Food Systems Summit later in September, the Global Inter-faith Dialogue on Food Systems builds up on the dialogue held in July, aiming to bring together faith-based organisations, Indigenous communities, and others whose work is grounded in values and spirituality and who play an essential role in the sustainable transformation of the food systems.

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqcO-vqzMiGNDWKYK3YiRDYqg0G0IkyAL7

The specific objectives of the consultation are:

1. Promote engagement and partnerships between faith-based organisations, indigenous peoples, governments, multilateral organisations, and corporations for more sustainable and just food systems

2. Facilitate conversation around the role of values, ethics, and belief systems into new and better food systems, with a focus on areas for action

Expected outputs:

1. Increased awareness of the important role of faith, values, and belief systems in food systems transformation

2. Lift up good practices and areas for collective action between the work of faith-based, indigenous communities, and other stakeholders in support of achieving the SDGs by 2030

3. An interfaith reflection and a Statement for a sustainable food system

Co-Convenors: Dr. Agnes Kalibata, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy of the 2021 Food Systems Summit, and Andrew Schwartz, Director of Sustainability and Global Affairs, Center for Earth Ethics. Curator: Dr. Manoj Kurian, Coordinator, World Council of Churches- Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance

The programme will have brief inputs from key discussants and there will be a substantial session for group work and reporting. The discussants include Ms. Karenna Gore, Director of the Center for Earth Ethics, Rev. Andrew Morley, President and CEO, World Vision International, and ordained curate of the Anglican Church, Ms. Lyla June Johnston, representing Indigenous Peoples, Mr. Anwar Khan, President, of Islamic Relief USA and Bishop Rev. Dr. Sabu K. Cherian, from the Church of South India.

As part of the output, an interfaith Reflection and Statement that is addressed to the UN Food Systems Summit will be introduced and be read by Mr. Steve Chiu – Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation and Dr. Meera Baindur – Associate Professor (Philosophy), Department of Arts, Manipal University Jaipur.

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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 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.