GLOBAL CONSORTIUM OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND NON-STATE ACTORS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (GCSCCC)
Concept Note for Strengthening the Global Consortium of Civil Society and
Non-State Actors on Climate Change and the Conference of Parties (GCSCCC)
Introduction:
The Global
Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and the
Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) is envisioned as a groundbreaking
initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of civil
society organizations (CSOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), academic
institutions, private sector entities, and other non-state actors in the global
discourse on climate change. This consortium seeks to facilitate a cohesive
platform where diverse stakeholders can engage, exchange knowledge, advocate
for sustainable policies, and actively participate in the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties (COP)
meetings.
Background:
Climate change stands as one of
the most pressing challenges of our time, posing significant threats to
ecosystems, communities, economies, and global stability. While international
agreements such as the Paris Agreement provide a framework for collective
action, the involvement of non-state actors is crucial for the effective
implementation and monitoring of climate goals. Civil society organizations and
non-state actors play pivotal roles in driving innovation, raising awareness,
and holding governments and corporations accountable for their climate
commitments.
Objectives:
1. Facilitate Collaboration:
Establish a network that enables collaboration and knowledge-sharing among
civil society organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector
entities, and other non-state actors working on climate change-related issues.
2. Amplify Voices: Provide a
unified platform for non-state actors to amplify their voices, concerns, and
recommendations in global climate discussions, particularly during UNFCCC COP
meetings.
3. Capacity Building: Offer
capacity-building initiatives, training programs, and resources to empower
non-state actors to engage more effectively in climate advocacy, policy
analysis, and implementation efforts.
4. Policy Advocacy: Advocate for
inclusive, equitable, and science-based climate policies at national, regional,
and international levels, reflecting the interests and needs of diverse
communities and stakeholders.
5. Partnership Development: Forge
partnerships with governments, intergovernmental organizations, academic
institutions, and private sector entities to enhance collaboration and catalyze
collective action on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Key Activities:
1. Establishment of Working Groups:
Form thematic working groups focused on key areas such as climate mitigation,
adaptation, finance, youth engagement, gender equality, indigenous rights;
research, consultancy and continuing education.
2. Policy Analysis and Research:
Conduct policy analysis, research, and advocacy campaigns to promote
evidence-based climate policies and initiatives.
3. Capacity Building Workshops: Organize workshops,
webinars, and training sessions to enhance the capacity of non-state actors in
areas such as climate diplomacy, communications, project management, and
fundraising.
4. Knowledge Sharing Events: Host conferences, seminars, and
forums to facilitate knowledge exchange, best practice sharing, and networking
opportunities among consortium members.
5. Joint Advocacy Campaigns: Coordinate joint advocacy
campaigns and initiatives to influence decision-making processes at UNFCCC COP
meetings and other relevant forums.
6. Outreach and Awareness: Develop communication strategies
and outreach campaigns to raise public awareness about climate change impacts,
solutions, and the role of non-state actors in addressing the crisis.
Governance Structure:
The GCSCCC will operate under a
transparent and inclusive governance structure, with representation from
diverse geographic regions, sectors, and stakeholder groups. A Steering Council/Committee
led by a Chairperson, with regional/continental representatives from member
organizations as other members, shall oversee the management, oversight, strategic
direction, planning, and coordination of consortium activities. Working groups
will be established to focus on specific thematic areas, with opportunities for
all members to participate and contribute.
The GCSCCC will have a CEO, and
regional Directors representing the core GCSCCC governing body. The Directors
will be chosen from the countries/regions on permanent basis.
Expected Outcomes:
1. Enhanced coordination and
collaboration among civil society organizations, NGOs, and non-state actors
working on climate change issues.
2. Increased visibility and
influence of non-state actors in global climate policy-making processes,
particularly within the UNFCCC COP negotiations.
3. Strengthened capacity of
non-state actors to engage effectively in climate advocacy, policy analysis,
and implementation efforts.
4. Promotion of inclusive,
equitable, and ambitious climate policies that address the needs and priorities
of vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
5. Expanded partnerships and
alliances between non-state actors, governments, intergovernmental
organizations, and other stakeholders to advance collective action on climate
change.
Conclusion:
The establishment of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change
and the Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) represents a significant step
towards strengthening the role of the civil society and non-state actors in the
global climate governance framework. By fostering collaboration, amplifying
voices, and advocating for evidence-based policies, the consortium aims to
accelerate progress towards a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for
all. Through collective action and solidarity, we can address the climate
crisis and build a more just and sustainable world for generations to come.
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR THE WORKING
GROUPS (WGs):
The Working Groups of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change
and the Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) shall support and advise the Steering
Council within their (WG)’s respective objective and scope as follow:
1. Climate Mitigation Working
Group:
Objective: To explore, develop, and advocate for strategies and
initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting low-carbon
pathways.
Scope:
v Identify
and assess mitigation technologies, practices, and policies across various
sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and industry.
v Collaborate
with stakeholders to promote renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency
measures, and sustainable land use practices.
v Analyze
the effectiveness and feasibility of carbon pricing mechanisms, emissions
trading schemes, and other market-based approaches to mitigation.
v Advocate
for the integration of mitigation efforts into national policies, development
plans, and investment strategies.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
2. Climate Adaptation Working
Group:
Objective: To address the impacts of climate change and enhance
resilience in vulnerable communities and ecosystems through adaptation
measures.
Scope:
v Assess
climate vulnerabilities and risks faced by different regions, sectors, and
social groups, with a focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations.
v Identify
and promote nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration, and
climate-resilient infrastructure development.
v Support
community-based adaptation initiatives and indigenous knowledge systems for
climate resilience.
v Advocate
for mainstreaming adaptation considerations into development planning, disaster
risk reduction strategies, and infrastructure investment.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
3. Climate Finance Working Group:
Objective: To mobilize and advise on financial and material
resources for climate action, particularly in support of mitigation and
adaptation efforts in developing countries.
Scope:
v Analyze
existing climate finance mechanisms, funds, and investment flows at national,
regional, and international levels.
v Identify
barriers to accessing climate finance and develop strategies to enhance
transparency, accessibility, and effectiveness of financial mechanisms.
v Advocate
for increased public and private sector investment in climate-resilient
infrastructure, clean energy projects, and sustainable land management
practices.
v Facilitate
knowledge exchange and capacity building on climate finance instruments,
project financing models, and innovative funding mechanisms.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
4. Youth Engagement Working
Group:
Objective: To empower and mobilize youth-led initiatives and
organizations in climate action and advocacy.
Scope:
v Facilitate
youth participation in climate decision-making processes at local, national,
and international levels.
v Provide
training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for young climate leaders to
enhance their capacity and influence.
v Support
youth-led research, innovation, and community-based projects addressing climate
change challenges.
v Advocate
for intergenerational equity and inclusion of youth perspectives in climate
policy development and implementation.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
5. Gender Equality and Climate
Justice Working Group:
Objective: To mainstream gender-responsive approaches and promote
climate justice principles in climate action and policy-making.
Scope:
v Analyze
the gender dimensions of climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptive
capacities.
v Advocate
for gender-responsive climate policies, programs, and investment strategies
that address the needs and priorities of women, girls, and gender-diverse
individuals.
v Support
capacity building and leadership development for women and marginalized gender
groups in climate-related fields.
v Promote
gender-inclusive decision-making processes and ensure meaningful participation
of women and marginalized groups in climate governance and planning.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
6. Indigenous Rights and Traditional
Knowledge Working Group:
Objective: To recognize and safeguard the rights, knowledge, and
contributions of indigenous peoples and local communities to climate resilience
and adaptation.
Scope:
v Recognize
and respect indigenous rights, traditional knowledge, and cultural practices
related to environmental stewardship and natural resource management.
v Advocate
for the inclusion of indigenous perspectives and traditional ecological
knowledge in climate policies, adaptation strategies, and land-use planning.
v Support
community-led initiatives for biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource
management, and climate adaptation based on indigenous wisdom.
v Promote
partnerships and collaboration between indigenous communities, governments, and
other stakeholders to address climate change impacts and protect indigenous
territories.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
7. Research, Consultancy, and
Continuing Education Working Group:
Objective: To facilitate research, knowledge dissemination,
consultancy services, and continuing education opportunities to support
evidence-based climate action and capacity building among consortium members.
Scope:
v Conduct
research on emerging climate change trends, impacts, and mitigation/adaptation
strategies to inform policy advocacy and program development.
v Provide
consultancy services to member organizations, governments, and other stakeholders
on climate-related issues, including policy analysis, project evaluation, and
strategic planning.
v Develop
and deliver continuing education programs, workshops, and webinars on climate
science, policy, and practice to enhance the capacity and skills of non-state
actors engaged in climate action.
v Facilitate
collaboration and knowledge exchange between academic institutions, research
centers, and non-state actors to bridge the gap between research and practice
in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
v Maintain
a repository of resources, publications, and best practices on climate change
mitigation, adaptation, finance, and governance for the benefit of consortium
members and the broader climate community.
v Undertake
other responsibilities/tasks as may be requested of it by the Consortium’s
Steering Council, from time to time
v Submit
all its reports and recommendations to the Steering Council through the Chair
of the SC for further actions by the SC on behalf of the Consortium
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