Meeting summary for the Monthly Consultation of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) (October/01/2024)

GLOBAL CONSORTIUM OF CIVIL SOCIETY AND NON-STATE ACTORS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND CONFERENCE OF PARTIES (GCSCCC)

 

Meeting summary for the Monthly Consultation of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC) (October/01/2024)

 

QUICK RECAP

 

The meeting was a monthly consultation of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC), and the day marked Nigeria's 64th Independence Anniversary. The participants discussed the weather conditions in their respective countries and the preparations for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) in Azerbaijan. The meeting also focused on the progress of various committees and working groups of the Consortium, with agreement on the need for active participation and approval for changes in the leadership of the respective Working Groups (WGs) that have failed to perform assigned responsibilities, and thus prevented such WGs from performing their functions.

 

NEXT STEPS

 

• Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje to initiate changes in leadership for non-responsive working group chairpersons.

• Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje to post terms of reference and links for working groups on the general platform.

• Peter Owiti to schedule and conduct inaugural meeting for the Annual Forum Committee.

• Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje to chair and schedule meeting for the Fundraising and Resource Mobilization Committee.

• Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje to follow up on website development progress with the member who promised funding.

• New members to join one working group of their choice after reviewing posted information.

 

GLOBAL CONSORTIUM CONSULTATION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

 

The meeting was a monthly consultation of the Global Consortium of Civil Society and Non-State Actors on Climate Change and Conference of Parties (GCSCCC). The participants, including Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, Unice, and others, discussed the weather conditions in their respective countries. It was noted that it was raining heavily in some areas, while others were experiencing hot temperatures. The meeting also marked Nigeria's 64th Independence Anniversary, which was celebrated with a standing time with the Global Consortium. The participants also discussed the possibility of singing "Happy Birthday" to Nigeria.

 

COP29 PREPARATION AND TEAM INTRODUCTION

 

The Chair of the GCSCCC/Steering Committee Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje welcomed delegates to the consultation, barely one month before the upcoming COP29 event in Azerbaijan. The draft agenda is proposed, moved by Dr. Goshima and supported by Sinamakosa, and adopted. Participants introduce themselves briefly, after which the Uzodinma emphasized the limited time available before COP29 and stresses the importance of planning for that event.

 

NOTES FROM THE LAST MONTHLY CONSULTATION

 

The group reviewed the notes from the previous meeting on September 3rd and Dr. Uzodinma reminded everyone of the monthly meeting schedule and emphasized punctuality.

 

COP29 PREPARATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS DISCUSSION

 

The meeting focused on the preparations for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) in Azerbaijan. Peter Owiti reported on the progress of the preparations, highlighting meetings with Member States and Civil Society, as well as growing partnerships between civil societies in Azerbaijan and the global South. Dr. Adirieje expressed appreciation for the engagement with Azerbaijan National NGOs Forum and the efforts o ensure as many participants as possible.

 

ADDRESSING INACTIVE WORKING GROUP CHAIRPERSONS

 

Dr. Uzodinma expressed concern that some working group chairpersons are not actively participating or sending representatives, despite repeated reminders. He called on delegates to suggest what should be done about this. Isaac recommended instituting new leadership for inactive groups and committees or proceeding with only the active groups. Unice agrees they should either find new chairs for inactive groups or move forward with the committed groups. The meeting approved to change the inactive Chairpersons since all the working groups need to be active.

 

ROLES, IMPORTANCE, AND LEADERSHIP CHANGES DISCUSSED

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje discussed the roles and importance of the Midyear Review Committee and working groups in their operations. He further highlighted the need for active working groups to ensure all members are well-informed and engaged. The meeting also involved a discussion about the need for change in the non-active leadership of the Working Groups and Committees which failed to live up to expectations, thus hampering the functioning of the respective WGs. Following the decision of the Meeting to change the leadership where the chairpersons were not performing effectively, Mr. Peter Owiti suggested that the issue might lie with the people in the working groups rather than the chairpersons, and proposed that the chairpersons should encourage or ask for volunteers to represent the group. The decision to change the leadership was approved by a majority vote.

 

COP29 ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT

 

The report of this committee was called for but was not presented. There was no one present at the meeting to give update report of the committee’s activities, and no report/update was submitted by the Committee for this meeting.

 

APPOINTMENT OF MEDIA ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

 

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje explained the need for the Media Advisory subcommittee to support the Steering Committee in the media component of its responsibilities. The Meeting gave a unanimous approval to appointing members of the Media Advisory subcommittee. Next, Dr. Adirieje inaugurated the Annual Forum Committee and the Finance Committee, both of the GCSCCC, emphasizing the importance of the chairpersons in all these committees. He encouraged the members of the Fundraising and Resource Mobilization Committee to raise their hands, indicating their presence.

 

GCSCCC PROGRESS AND WORKING GROUP PARTICIPATION

 

Dr. Adirieje said he would post the terms of reference and links to join the working groups on the general platform. He emphasized that everyone should only join one working group to ensure effectiveness. New members, Eberechi and Cordelia, expressed their interest in joining the working groups and their desire for more structured communication. The Chair advised them to restrict themselves to one of the fourteen GCSCCC working groups.

 

ADJOURNMENT DISCUSSION AND CLOSING REMARKS

 

The conversation ended with a discussion on adjournment, led by Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje. Miriam Menkety from the Women's Information Network in Nigeria moved for adjournment, supported by Cordelia from the Africa Environmental and Health Advancement Network. Dr. Ngozi was asked to provide closing remarks, which she did, encouraging everyone to continue showing commitment and making time for their respective platforms and committees. The conversation ended with a mention of a "happy anniversary song" for Nigeria.

 

Sgd

Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje

Chair, GCSCCC