From Dare Akogun, Egypt
This year’s UN Climate Conference takes place in Sharm el-Sheikh, against a backdrop of extreme weather events across the world, an energy crisis propelled by the war in Ukraine, and scientific data reiterating that the world is not doing enough to tackle carbon emissions and protect the future of our planet.
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guitterez has said COP27 must deliver a “down-payment” on climate solutions that match the scale of the problem, so, the question is will the leaders deliver?
The main event will be held at the Sharm el-Sheikh International Convention Centre, from 6-18 November.
So far, there are over 30,000 people registered to attend representing governments, businesses, NGOs, and civil society groups.
The 197 Parties to the UNFCCC treaty, often get in groups or “blocs”, to negotiate together such as the G77 and China, the Africa Group, the Least Developed Countries, the Umbrella Forum, the Small Island Developing States, and the Independent Alliance of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The negotiations also include observers, which have no formal part in them but make interventions and help maintain transparency. Observers include United Nations agencies, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, faith-based groups, and the press.
But besides the official negotiations, there will be conference rooms, a pavilion section, and thousands of side events happening, divided over thematic days,
This year’s themes are: Finance, Science, Youth & Future Generations, Decarbonization, Adaptation & Agriculture, Gender, Water, Ace & Civil Society, Energy, Biodiversity and Solutions (the newest theme this COP).
As usual, the conference will happen in two zones – The Blue Zone and the Green Zone, which this year are located right across from each other.
The Blue Zone is a UN-managed space where negotiations are hosted and, to enter, all attendees must be credited by the UNFCCC Secretariat.
This year there will be 156 pavilions inside the Blue Zone, double the amount at Glasgow. Many UN agencies, countries and regions will be represented, and there will also be for the first time a Youth and an Agrifood pavilion.
The Green Zone is managed by the Egyptian Government and open to the registered public. It will include events, exhibitions, workshops and talks to promote dialogue, awareness, education, and commitment on climate action.
According to the Presidency, the Green Zone will be the platform where the business community, youth, civil and indigenous societies, academia, artists and fashion communities from all over the world can express themselves and their voices can be heard.
This year, the Green Zone will also include a special “protest zone”, and a huge outdoor lounge and terrace space.
Sobi FM will keep you informed during the two weeks of the conference officially kicking off on Sunday Nov 6th.
