... and hear some of their impressions.
Compiled by Ayuska Motha, AIWC Cologne
COP28 (the 28th Conference Of the Parties to the Paris Agreement) was convened in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 13, 2023. FAWCO was fortunate to be provided with three badges to attend the two-week UN climate summit as civil society observers. Two FAWCO members, Sheila Doucet and Ayuska Motha, attended the meeting in Dubai, UAE in person. Additionally, Eesha Rangani was awarded a one-week badge as a youth representative, and Hwei Mian Lim was awarded a two-week badge as a sister Women and Gender Constituency representative.
We asked our four FAWCO COP28 delegates the same three questions and here are their responses.
Sheila Doucet
Member of AAWE Paris; Co-Chair FAWCO Environment Team
Second time attending COP (27 and 28)
What was the most important (positive or negative) COP28 outcome for you?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) process began 28 years ago, and this is the first time a text states the need to “transition away from fossil fuels,” the primary cause of global warming, which scientists have modeled and warned about for decades. The positive: a tribute to the tenacity of countless Parties, Civil Society Organizations and individuals across the globe who continue climate advocacy work. The questionable: a sorry state of affairs that entrenched entities – governmental, industrial, financial – have fought so hard to derail a process which benefits all life on Earth.
From your perspective, is there anything you would like to see changed about COPs?
All points of view should have the chance to participate in debates on the causes, effects and measures to rectify the harm caused by global warming. However, this does not mean that they have the right of unequal representation or leverage in the process, especially in a United Nations forum which ideally should provide a level platform for under-represented, powerless or elsewhere silenced groups. The record number of badges issued to registered oil industry lobbyists (many sources, including NPR) implies that the ethical foundation of the process has been compromised. We no longer have the luxury to continue this practice.
What did you like about COP28?
Experiencing proof that there are no small acts or actions when advocating for climate justice.
Hwei Mian Lim
Independent consultant focusing on climate change, gender and climate finance
Facilitative Committee Member of the Women and Gender Constituency
What was the most important (positive or negative) COP28 outcome for you?
Articles 6.4 (Carbon Credits) outcome, which is a “no outcome.” This is welcome because the removals and methodology documents have too many key elements that are not developed yet. Likewise for safeguards, such as (an) independent grievance mechanism and the Sustainable Development Tool, which are still in an early stage of development and are yet to be finalized. (See Hwei’s COP28 article on Article 6 Carbon Markets.)
From your perspective, is there anything you would like to see changed about COPs?
The COP President must not be affiliated with any fossil fuel industry. The conflict of interest must be taken seriously to maintain the integrity of the COP Presidency and the UNFCCC COP.
What did you like about COP28?
For the first time, the Women and Gender Constituency has a pavilion in the Blue Zone. This should be a practice at every COP.
Ayuska Motha
FAWCO UN Representative to UNFCCC; FAWCO Liaison to the Women and Gender Constituency
Environment Team Member
What was the most important (positive or negative) COP28 outcome for you?
For me, there was a moment where an extremely weak draft text for the Global Stocktake (GST) was released three hours prior to the planned closing of the meetings. I was devastated, since usually that would have been it. Amazingly, a few countries and blocks like the small island states, the EU and Germany pushed back and insisted on stronger commitments to transitioning away from fossil fuels.
From your perspective, is there anything you would like to see changed about COPs?
I do think that although everyone should be involved in the decision-making process, there are imbalances of power due to resource inequities and other interests, and these are and have been delaying any real, ambitious climate progress.
What did you like about COP28?
I liked that there were so many people and organizations from the health community with resources, energy and new ideas to work together with other civil society organizations to increase the urgency of solving the climate crisis.