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Environmental Negotiations and Climate Change Diplomacy

 
Date: 20-21 October 2011
Venue:Office of the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations, New York
 
Coordinator: Ms. Helene Gandois
 
To register, please visit the catalogue page.
 

Background:

The year 2011 marks a critical deadline for the UNFCCC negotiations, with the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol set to expire in 2012. Delegates at United Nations Headquarters will partake in far-reaching decisions related to the international regimes to protect the environment and the climate, amongst others in the lead-up to the next Conference of States Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in South Africa end of this year. Many developing countries, least developed countries and, in particular, small island states have vital interests in the climate change negotiations. However, the importance of environmental sustainability for the future development of their countries is often not matched by the necessary resources and negotiation power to achieve desired negotiation outcomes.

As part of UNITAR’s 2011 Negotiation Training Series, this workshop is designed to equip delegates, particularly from developing countries, least developed countries and small island states, with the skills and knowledge to perform efficiently in negotiations related to environmental sustainability and climate change at the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Economic and Social Council, the Commission for Sustainable Development, negotiation processes under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and other fora. 

Objectives and content:
 
At the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
  • Analyze the particular characteristics of environmental negotiations; 
  • Identify key negotiation issues, dynamics and elements in UNFCCC climate negotiations;
  • Further refine their negotiation skills in preparation for the Durban conference.

The first part of the workshop will review basic principles of negotiating for mutual gain in the multilateral framework and present the facts about climate change. Senior experts and diplomats will also discuss the current status of climate change negotiations. The second part of the workshop will be devoted to simulation exercises on selected case studies in preparation for the Durban Conference.  

Organization:

Organized over two full days, the workshop will follow an interactive, participatory and practice-oriented approach, involving simulation exercises, case discussions, interactive lectures, and peer-to-peer learning. The workshop will be conducted in English. The core of training will be provided by faculty from the Yale School of Forestry. Other prominent guest speakers from the United Nations system and Member States will contribute perspectives on the upcoming Durban Conference. A workbook with reference documents will be provided to all participants.
 
All participants who successfully complete the workshop will receive a UNITAR Certificate of Participation.  
 
Participants:
 
The workshop is intended for delegates from Permanent Missions in New York, in particular from developing or least developed countries. Preference will be given to delegates who are responsible for the sustainable development and climate change portfolios within their respective Missions. Registration will be limited to 40 persons. Prior participation in the UNITAR course on “Effective Negotiation in Multilateral Conferences” is recommended. Selected participants are requested to regard their participation as a firm commitment.

Related Documents:

Agenda

Information note