Paris, France (29 November, 2015) – In his first formal meeting of COP21, on Sunday, the UN Secretary-General, Ban-Ki Moon met with key civil society leaders to hear views and demands for the upcoming talks in Paris.
The Secretary-General underscored the important role civil society has and continues to play in pushing the world for ambitious and just climate action. The meeting was attended by several representatives of peoples’ movements and non-governmental organisations including WEDO Advocacy Director, Bridget Burns, Mr. Ricken Patel (Avaaz), Ms. May Boeve (350.org), Dr. Kumi Naidoo (Greenpeace), Mr. Wael Hmaidan (CAN Intl), Mr. Xiuhtezcatl Martinez (Youth/Indigenous), Ms. Sharan Burrow (ITUC) and Ms. Jagoda Munic (Friends of the Earth International).
Speaking for WEDO, Bridget highlighted how COP21 provides an incredible opportunity to ensure that all climate actions will protect, promote, fulfil human rights, gender equality, the full and effective participation of women, the rights of indigenous peoples, and environmental integrity.
Other key messages across civil society included the need for a clear and just long-term goal, a commitment which allows us to keep warming below 1.5 degrees, the need for developed countries to take on their fair share of emission reductions and the importance of ensuring a just transition for all.
