With nearly a month until COP28, this is Cognitos weekly newsletter with communications insights, media analysis and advice.
Cognito is an independent global communications agency with a key focus on sustainability and the climate transition, among other sectors. In our Sustainability Practice we help our clients communicate about solutions and approaches they are bringing to the climate transition narrative, and deliver high impact campaigns on themes and issues that sit centrally to global efforts to address climate change.?
Get in touch with?[email protected]?to find out how we can help you achieve your business and communications goals, and communicate about sustainability more effectively and authentically.?
Recent news about COP28:
- Financial Times:?Ikea and BT among 130 companies to push COP28 for a timeline to ditch fossil fuels?On Monday, over 130 businesses published an open letter encouraging world leaders to settle on a timeline for phasing out fossil fuels while at COP28. With the signatories nearly representing $1 trillion in combined global annual revenue, a few names include Volvo, BT Group, Unilever and Heineken. Given that fossil fuels are a main flashpoint for the conference, this letter holds considerable weight. It is the first time that a group of this size have collectively asked governments to prioritise fossil fuel phaseout.?
- Reuters (Japan):?Climate action Loss and Damage Fund fails to bridge the gap between developed and developing countries?Between the 17th and 20th October the Transitional Committee on Loss and Damage met in Aswan to discuss ways to operationalise the fund. While the US and other developed countries called for the World Bank to manage the fund, developing countries want the UN to create a new agency. Preeti Bhandari regards this divergence in attitude as having the ability to derail negotiations at COP28 unless resolved.?
- Financial Times:?Climate fund talks collapse as rich and developing countries clash?A key issue at this year’s conference will be developing the framework for a loss and damage fund, with current anticipation that rich and developing nations will struggle to reach a settlement. Attracta Mooney considers the complexities of this ongoing issue.
- Bloomberg:?EU to fight 'paralysis' on emissions at COP28, Spain's Ribera says?A seasoned participant at COP, having attended twenty meetings to date, Teresa Ribera addressed the need for countries to be transparent and admit that their emissions are not aligned with the targets set as part of the Paris Agreement.
- Reuters:?EU climate divisions give foretaste of fight looming at COP28?Reuters have reported that regional rifts between climate ministers and diplomats, on the phasing out of fossil fuel and construction of coal power plants, are a precursor for global tensions at COP28.
COP28 main programming updates:
?Interested in learning more about the programme for COP28? Find the thematic programme for COP28?here.?
- Green Digital Action at COP28?- This year, in collaboration with UN partners, governments and businesses, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) wants to leverage discussions at COP to explore digital-technology-driven climate action. Find more information on the programme’s high-level opening, breakthrough sessions and partner sessions?here.
- World Climate Summit?- The World Climate Summit will be convening in Conrad, Dubai on the 7th and 8th of December. The summit is organised by the World Climate Foundation, an NGO focused on mobilising investments in climate and nature-based solutions. Its summit running during COP is typically known as “The Investment COP” and is seen as a leading forum for business and investment-driven solutions to climate change, recognised as the most important official COP side event since its launch in 2010. Registration for both?in-person?and?digital?access is now open.
Don’t miss out …?
This week we want to highlight a selection of side events focused on the mobilisation of finance to the Global South and the importance of establishing effective frameworks to facilitate climate action.?
- Article 6.4 Supervisory Body Side-Event, Sunday 3rd December 2023, SE Room 4 (18.30-20.00)?- During this session updates will be given on processes, institutions and functions on the SB6.4. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss next steps with the Chair, Vice-chair and Practitioners from SB6.4.??
- The Global Stocktake and Climate Accountability: Unlocking Finance and Action, Sunday 3rd December 2023, SE Room 8 (18.30-20.00)?- Given the importance of The Global Stocktake at COP28, this session will provide useful insights on realigning financial flows and building clear roadmaps.
- Displaced People Taking Action on Loss & Damage: Local Solutions on the Climate Frontlines, Monday 4th December 2023, SE Room 3 (11.30-13.00)?- The panel will include representatives that have been displaced and their host communities. Here, they will discuss their thoughts on local solutions and financing.
Pavilions, side events and experiences:?
The UNFCCC is yet to release an official list of pavilions at COP28. Interested in keeping up to date? The official list of pavilions will be updated?here.?Also want to see if any side events are of interest? Check out UNFCCC’s comprehensive list?here.
Below is a list of recent announcements about pavilion plans and side events, as well as some of the usual suspects who are showcasing what they are up to on their websites. Each week we will include new updates to keep you informed of developments.??
- Children and Youth Pavilion?- Registration is now open for the COP28 Resilience Hub virtual platform, sign up?here.?Additional details for the in-person Resilience Hub can be found?here.
- OECD COP28 Virtual Pavilion?- The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) are allowing avid attendees to sign up for their virtual pavilion. Click?here?for more information.
- SDG7 Global South Pavilion?- In partnership with the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet, SeforALL will host the SDG7 Global South Pavilion for a third year. Their sessions will discuss methods to ensure a just and equitable energy transition. More information about their full event programme, theme days and individual sessions will be released soon - keep up to date?here.
- Future Mobility Hub?- From the 4th to 10th of December the?Future Mobility Hub?will be at the Dubai Supercool Mobility Center. With the aim of inspiring ideas and providing a space for attendees to continue their discussion of policy, this space will act as a complimentary business venue for those interested in mobility, transportation, sustainability and innovation.?
- FT Live?- The Financial Times will be hosting sessions at COP28 between the 30th November and 12th December. Want to learn more? Access the?agenda,?registration form?and?additional details.??
Contact Cognito's?Sustainability Practice?to discuss how we can help you achieve your business and communications goals, and communicate about sustainability more effectively and authentically.?
Looking for more? Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram?
