First consensus reached at the climate change talk in Cancun

By Makereta Komai, Climate Pasifika Media in Cancun, Mexico

04 December 2010 Cancun --- The first draft conclusion to reach unanimous consensus at the Cancun climate change talks in Cancun was celebrated Saturday by Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

The two countries were able to convince the chair of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) to reach a conclusion on Article 6 of the UN climate change convention, which was supported by over150 countries who are parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Article 6 promotes education, training and public awareness as the main vehicle to foster action on climate change.

Many governments and intergovernmental organizations are already working in partnership with civil society to fulfil the commitments in Article 6.  However scale of challenges posed by climate change requires an engagement on outreach activities of a greater magnitude.

The draft decision, which will go before the Conference of the Parties (COP) recognises the participation of women, youth, indigenous peoples and civil society groups at all national, regional and international meetings that are sanctioned by the UNFCCC in relation to climate change.

It also supports formal and non formal education in schools and institutions on climate change and the development of educational and public awareness materials.

The draft decision also urged the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to increase access to funding for Article 6 related activities.

GEF is the financial mechanism of the UN climate change convention.

Youth have a voice at the climate change negotiations

Speaking at a media briefing to announce the first consensus SBI draft decision, a youth representative congratulated Guatemala and the Dominican Republic for showing leadership.

“Both countries need a golden star for their effort – for delivering a consensus decision in 90 minutes. We, the youth of the world hope to see the spirit of progress and compromise in other parts of the negotiations here in Cancun, said the youth representative.