Background

As the world faces the escalating climate crisis, it is imperative that we take immediate, equitable, and rights-based action. The current trajectory of global warming, already exceeding 1.1°C, poses a profound threat to human rights. The time has come to hold major polluting nations accountable for their fair share in addressing climate change. We believe that embracing equity, social justice, and rights-based approaches is the key to effective climate action and global cooperation.

Overview

In the spirit of this urgent call for change, the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) are hosting a virtual event in conjunction with the Human Rights 75 initiative. Ahead of COP28, the objective of the event is to build momentum for a major “course-correction” to rights-based climate action consistent with the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

Documentation

Concept note (Word)
Flyer (PDF)
Recording of the event (YouTube)

Program

• Welcoming remarks by hosts (15 mins) featuring distinguished speakers:
  • Hon. Henry K. Kokofu, Special Envoy of the CVF Ghana Presidency
  • H.E. Mr. Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (video message)
• Panel discussion (45 min) with eminent voices:
  • H.E. Ms. Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, Minister of Environment of the Republic of Rwanda
  • H.E. Ms. Khadeeja Naseem, Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Technology of the Maldives
  • Dr. Yann Robiou du Pont, Paris Equity Check and Traffic Light Assessment Author and Researcher at Utrecht University
  • Ms. Nahla Haidar, Member of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
  • Ms. Deborah Iyute Oyuu, Programme Officer at the National Union of Disabled Persons of Uganda (excused)
  • Ms. Joice Mendez, Member of the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change
  • Ms. Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, President of the Association for Indigenous Women and Peoples of Chad
• Q&A (15 min) with all participants, moderated by Mr. Todd Howland, OHCHR Chief of the Development, Economic, and Social Rights Branch

Join Us in Advancing Equity and Human Rights for Climate Action

For more information about the event, please contact the CVF Secretariat at [email protected] or Ms. Claire Morclette of the Environment Team at the OHCHR, at [email protected] .