The power of youths @ COP16

Notes by Mark Cheng, a World Ocean Network participant at COP16 (more info click here) 

ARTICLE 6: EDUCATION, TRAINING AND PUBLIC AWARENESS

In carrying out their commitments under Article 4, paragraph 1(i), the Parties shall:

(a) Promote and facilitate at the national and, as appropriate, sub-regional and regional levels, and in accordance with national laws and regulations, and within their respective capacities:

   (i) The development and implementation of educational and public awareness programmes on climate change and its effects;

   (ii) Public access to information on climate change and its effects;

   (iii) Public participation in addressing climate change and its effects and developing adequate responses; and

   (iv) Training of scientific, technical and managerial personnel.

(b) Cooperate in and promote, at the international level, and, where appropriate, using existing bodies:

   (i) The development and exchange of educational and public awareness material on climate change and its effects; and

   (ii) The development and implementation of education and training programmes, including the strengthening of national institutions and the exchange or secondment of personnel to train experts in this field, in particular for developing countries.

A draft COP agreement has been reached on Article 6, largely attributing to the effort of the youths. In fact, all of the points raised by the youth constituency were included in the new agreement, particularly pertaining to non-formal education, youth participation in decision-making and funding for education programmes.

The Dominican Republic and G77+China group were the parties behind the quick decision and a landmark success, on the pretext of a large youth presence in the session. Youth were filling 2/3 of the room with many of them wearing a t-shirt saying: “You have been negotiating all my life, you cannot tell me you need more time.”

SBH Chair Robert Owen Jones remarked that this is the first contact group ever to achieve a COP decision in 90 minutes and awarded the Gold Star to the contact group.

However, all this work would be in vain should COP reject the draft SBI decision. Evaluating the circumstances, Parties have ample education and preparation to view Article 6 in their best interests. Decision will be approved by 10^th December.