UN makes unprecedented open call for climate solutions

The UN body for climate change is launching an online portal inviting countries, organisations and civil society to contribute to the climate dialogue and allow their voices to be heard.

The new portal will support the Talanoa Dialogue- an international conversation tool launched during COP23 in Bonn, which will serve as a reality check to current commitments and increase global climate ambition.

What is unique about the concept is that it is not exclusively open to countries. Other shareholders will also have the opportunity to participate and enrich the discussions, closing the communication gap between decision-makers and civil society experts.

This will include businesses, investors, cities, NGOs, or even groups of people who are able to answer either of the central questions of the Talanoa Dialogue: Where are we? Where do we want to go? How do we get there?

The only criterion for submission is that the proposal or commentary is relevant to those topics and that it offers a meaningful and constructive boost to the climate dialogue.

Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of UNFCCC, said: “I very much welcome the portal because it provides transparency and broadens participation in the dialogue. I look forward to many governments and other actors making their submissions via the portal as part of worldwide efforts required for the next level of climate action and ambition”.

Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji’s chief climate diplomat, told Climate Home News that the UN has been criticised of being isolated from the ‘real world’, and those taking every-day climate action are detached from the UN diplomats. 

However, he said: “Dialogue is the way to start to bridge that gap, both philosophically and substantively. The fact that there is this important input from non-state actors, that is very good not just for increasing levels of passion and dedication, but also I think for focus in the discussion”.

People will be able to register online for the May sessions and are invited to start elaborating on their contributions.

You can find out more about the Talanoa Dialogue here.