Introduction to the thematic sessions on «The role of civil society organisations»
Marie-Claude Machon-Honoré (NGO-UNESCO LiaisonCommittee, BPW International)
«Changingminds , not the climate» suchis the title of the forum on climate change and UNESCO’s slogan at COP 21; it points to the urgency of changingmindsets as well as behaviours not only to act in face of climate change, find solutions together for mitigation and adaptation but also takethisopportunity to leverage social transformations for inclusive development.
We all share the sameplanet and humanbeings are et the center of the strategy; we know for sure thathumanactivityis the main cause of climate change (IPCC) which affects populations more frequently, unequally and regardless oftheirownresponsibility. Solidarityis essential.
In front of the scale of naturaldisasters, a hollistic and collective approachisrequired. It is in line with the 2030Agenda and its cross-cutting and inter-linked global goalsto fightpoverty (SDG1), ensure inclusive and equitablequalityeducation for all (SDG4) , achieve genderequality (SDG 5), ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (SDG6),take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts (SDG13) and work in partnerships to reach the goals. In already challenging times, natural disasters displace twice as many people as conflicts.
This forum is a follow-up to the Call for Action Day of NGOs (6thOctober 2015) and a declaration launched during COP21, which accounts for the title of this forum : “The contribution of NGOs”.
According to MsIrina Bokova’ words, “the soft power” is also the power to be inspired by the energy of civil society which must set an example and “UNESCO exists to build bridges, act and think together.” This is what we will do over the next two days.
The thematic sessions on the role and contribution of civil society are aligned with two of the 4 thematic action focus areas of Unesco Strategy-Supporting inclusive social development, promoting ethical and gender principles mainstreaming in relation to climate change (global priority and priority target group) and helping develop and implement climate change education and public awareness programmes and policies, particularly among youth, another priority target of UNESCO strategy.
The first thematic session will deal with ethics, solidarity, rights and good governance for climate justice. Climate change affects populations differently and the most vulnerable are the ones most impacted; we talk of a “double burden” when it comes to the poorest, the indigenous peoples, the disabled and women due to current social norms. Those groups deserve to be recognized as agents of change like anyone else, at the local, national and international levels.
The second thematic session will address education and awareness raising to sustainable development and will be a sequel to the previous session as regards the sense of agency of the action and climate empowerment.
Water will be the main issue as climate is water! 80% of climate change impact is felt through the scarcity of water, pollution, floods and water is a source of economic and political stakes; the 21st century’s wars will be about water but water is life. ACME Morocco (Association for a World Contract on Water) will share its projects in partnership with schools and the local authorities in the regions of Chichaoua, Safi and Essaouira among others for schools to be connected to national drinking water and to sensitize the populations to the preservation of water and the protection of the environment.
Africa whose agriculture depends on rain for 95% is severely threatened and is recognized as a global priority. Two representatives of the Young Leaders of Africa will speak about the citizens’ commitment, climate camps and reforestation. African society is structured around water and women are at the heart of it; UNESCO’s leadership in the field of water is well known with its flagship World Water Assessment Program and Women for Water Partnership as girls must be allowed to go to school instead of walking miles and miles to fetch water and investing in women’s training in water management and green jobs is the right thing to do.
As a Chinese proverb puts it: “Women represent half of the sky”; women are the first victims of climate change but they are also the first to act and react. Women are the first to rally in face of climate change and more particularly indigenous women whose knowledge and expertise should be recognized and their voices heard in climate negotiations and decision making.
We wish the Action plan for gender equality which was started with the Paris Agreement and adopted at COP 23 could become a reality.
Ecology is a true lever for social inclusion and it belongs to us to seize this opportunity to take up these challenges linked to climate change, together, women and men, in multi-sectorial partnerships with the local communities, the poorest and the most vulnerable groups.
I thank you for your attention and wish you an excellent forum.