Global Changemakers

The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 to tackle the defining challenge of our time. The Convention has near universal membership, with 194 signatory countries plus the European Union, as a signatory in its own right. The ultimate goal of the Convention is to stabilize the level of greenhouse gas emissions in the worlds atmosphere at a level which would prevent dangerous climate change. But the UN Climate Convention also deals with the central issue of enabling people to adapt to the inevitable effects of climate change, along with a host of other issues.

The negotiating process on climate change revolves around the sessions of the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP), which meets every year to review the implementation of the Convention. The COP adopts decisions and resolutions, published in reports of the COP. Successive decisions taken by the COP make up a detailed set of rules for practical and effective implementation of the Convention. The COP serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP), which also adopts decisions and resolutions on the implementation of its provision.

Seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) took place from 28 November to 9 December 2011 in Durban, South Africa.

Two Youth climate activist Sikander Sabeer and Anoka Abeyrathne represented Sri Lankan Youth in this high level event.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference 2011/UNFCCC’s COP17; a summit which was extended by two days and the delegates were forced to give a better deal. This summit had been an action packed one for Sikander and this is what he had to say to us.

The COP 17 commenced as usual with Country heads like presidents, vice-presidents, ministers, politicians, negotiators, observers, media people and the youth all trying to make sense of what was happening. Amidst multitude of people eternally traversing the corridors and yet more chatting in groups or protesting in front of Plenary rooms, I stood still, trying to decide how best to proceed.

I wanted to be something more than a youth voice rallying for the climate. The intricacies of policy making and power of legal documents enthralled me. I wanted to learn the clockworks of the United Nation’s negotiations. I had done my homework and was prepared to try my first step in the world of important negotiations.

I made use of this COP to gain and contribute knowledge on Rio+20 and UNFCCC and climate change. I had ample exposure in lobbying, networking and sharing ideas with youth from all corners of the world. Our goal was a common one- to ensure the survival of our planet and our species. I also found an opportunity to be a part of drafting youth policy papers. I had the opportunity of meeting the COP President, UNFCCC Executive Secreteriet and also had an informal chat with Prof. Ragendra P. the chairman of Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change.

I also attended a UN high level meeting which is a very rare opportunity, and access is very limited. I was privileged to represent all YOUTH NGOs and Youth working with UNFCCC in opening of a high level segment in this summit. Facing media and attending meetings with high profile people has inspired me to act more on Climate Change.

I was able to host my very own side event in this most talked about United Nations Conference. December 8, 2011 was a very important day for Sri Lankan Youth, In the morning hours I was able to do a mini side event on Rio+20 Campaign along with International Road to Rio+20 Campaign partners. I was able to share my experience on my National Road to Rio+20 Campaign with the audience. Next I hosted a major side event on youth engagement and mobilization on UNFCCC and UNCSD process. There were many noteworthy speakers on the panel where we spoke to the many gathered about the Youth involvement in policy making and understanding the negotiating mechanism which I believe would help focus our world leaders into firm commitment towards cutting down carbon emissions.

During this event we also launched a visual documentary “Make It Green Again” made by Sri Lankan Youth to address Climate Change using digital media. Mr. Hemantha Withanage spoke to the audience on Climate justice and Youth during this event. First ever Sri Lankan youth did a side-event in UN Climate Talks, this created a wider image about Global South youth movement in this high level event.

I was also able to attend a video conference with Commonwealth Youth Climate Network Secretariat, CEO of CYCN in London and Focal Point for Asia pacific in Singapore via Cisco network. Here again we discussed the possibilities of forming a commonwealth youth group which would actively participate in Climate policy making.

This dynamic and enthusiastic youth activist is both an International Climate Champion and Global Change maker of the British Council. His involvement in community service and green initiatives began while he was an Undergraduate at the Spectrum Institute of Science and Technology – out reach campus of University of Mysore. Presently he is working for Neptune Recyclers- A Corporate wing of Expolanka Holdings.

For more information about his experience in UN:

My Journey to United Nations Climate Change Conference 2011

National Road to Rio+20 Campaign in UN Climate Talks