COP26 calls for groups to bring climate summit to life

21 Jan 2021 11:50 AM

Applications opened yesterday to help shape the COP26 venue in Glasgow ahead of the crucial climate change talks later this year.

• Call for groups to bring climate action to life in an interactive setting
• Chance to engage with key audiences and make a real change in the fight against climate change
• Two-week showcase opportunity when world leaders gather in Glasgow

Businesses, civil society, academia, trade unions, indigenous groups, and young people have the opportunity to bring climate action to life through fun and lively events, displays and workshops in the areas where many of the world’s leaders will be meeting in November.

This is likely to include demonstrations of virtual reality technology; showcasing innovation helping to tackle global climate change; opportunities for local voices from around the world through culture and arts; and youth groups provided a platform to show the impact they are making.

With demand expected to be high for this unique opportunity, organisations are being encouraged to work together with collaborative proposals wherever possible with a focus on profiling the voices of those most impacted and on the front line of climate change.

COP26 President Alok Sharma yesterday said:

COP26 will be the largest summit the UK has ever hosted and this is an exciting opportunity for all of society to be involved.

I would encourage those who are interested, to join with us to inspire climate action around the world.

This is part of a wider call for action from individuals, organisations and businesses to get involved in committing to and inspiring others to act on climate change in the run-up to COP26 through the Together for Our Planet campaign.

Background

• Further guidance and a link to the online form can be found here. A downloadable PDF guidance pack can also be found here.
• The Expression of Interest process closes at 17:00 GMT on Friday 5 March 2021.
• The Expression of Interest process includes a range of opportunities for businesses and organisations to get involved within the UK Government managed spaces at COP26. This includes the UK Pavilion within the Blue Zone and the Green Zone.
• The Blue Zone is a UN-managed space which hosts the negotiations. The space brings together delegations from 197 countries, alongside observer organisations to share their stories at panel discussions, side events, exhibits, and cultural events.
• The Green Zone is managed by the UK Government, and is a platform for the general public, youth groups, civil society, academia, artists, business and others to have their voices heard through events, exhibitions, workshops and talks that promote dialogue, awareness, education and commitments.
• More information on the Together for Our Planet campaign here.

Eligibility

Criteria for organisations and businesses participating in the UK-Government spaces of COP26 are as follows. More information can be found here.

• Large businesses with over 250 employees to sign up to Science Based Targets and/or the Race to Zero.
• SMEs, cities, regions and local governments signing up to the Race to Zero. By joining this campaign, organisations show they are committed to a clean future, and allows us to show in one place the collective global momentum to net zero.
• Civil society organisations (such as NGOs, activists and faith based organisations), schools, universities & colleges, and individuals do not require specific commitments.

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