“Together we can build a world we want, a world we’re proud to leave our children and grandchildren.”
– Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General
The international political response to climate change began at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, where the ‘Rio Convention’ included the adoption of the UN Framework on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This convention set out a framework for action aimed avoiding “dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.” The UNFCCC entered into force in 1994 and now has a near-universal membership of 196 countries. The main objective of the annual Conference of Parties (COP) is to review the Convention’s implementation.
To find out more about the UNFCCC and history of COP click here
Why does COP matter?
“Alone we can go quickly, but together we can go far.”
– Ségolène Royal, COP21 President
The 2015 COP21 in Paris proved historic, as a legally binding global climate target was agreed by all 196 member parties with the aim of capping climate change well below two degrees of warming.
This landmark agreement set out a global action plan to drive a global low carbon transition. With $100 billion pledged annually to support this process in developing countries, the Paris Agreement will advance opportunities for innovation where climate change mitigation and adaptation is most urgently required.
Heading to Bonn
“While the Paris Conference laid the foundation of a new and united world based on mutual trust, the aim of the Marrakech Conference is to cultivate this spirit of solidarity and confidence, well beyond COP22.”
– Hakima El Haite, Morocco Minister Delegate in Charge of Environment & High-Level Champion of COP22
In November 2016, the Paris Agreement entered into force – with signatory countries officially tasked with developing strong low carbon strategies, driving the partnerships and funding opportunities to accelerate its concrete implementation.
COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco, represented the first COP serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement – providing a platform for cross sector stakeholders to come together to build a low carbon future.
In 2017, COP23 heads to Bonn – the seat of the UNFCCC headquarters – and will be organised by Fiji, a small Pacific island State particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change like rising ocean levels and extreme weather phenomena.
The Sustainable Innovation Forum returns in 2017 with a stronger than ever mandate to help build the cross sector partnerships required to realise the Paris Agreement’s goals, catalyse the exchange of global knowledge and provide a springboard for action for global leaders.
Join us to help effect the Agreement‘s goals - Apply for your place here