COP28 events: Shifting power to the people for a green energy transition

Despite a climate summit being hosted by a major oil producer – and one of the largest producers of the same oil and gas driving the climate crisis – this year’s focus is clear: countries need to take stock and reaffirm their commitments to the Paris Agreement goal to limit warming to 1.5 °C.

To move to a clean energy future, the world cannot switch from one industry of extraction and exploitation to another. We must push for accountability and change that puts people and planet first.

Over the course of COP, whether you are at home or in Dubai, join us to help steer conversations towards real solutions. 

Don’t forget to stay tuned to all our COP coverage by following us on X/Twitter, Instagram and signing up to our mailing list. 

Land and environmental defenders: Advancing climate justice 

Criminalisation and attacks on land and the environment defenders are continuing to increase, but their voices are often not heard. 

Join us as we bring environmental defenders, policy makers and leaders together to discuss:

• Why it’s important for governments to recognise the rights of land and environmental defenders, as well as legally guaranteeing their right to free, prior and informed consent before activities are approved in their territories;
• The UNFCCC policy frameworks to support the safe and meaningful participation of environmental defenders in decision-making, and
• How we must transform our economies by replacing fossil fuels with renewables, industrial agriculture with agroecology, and putting people and planet over profit through a human rights-based approach that enables a truly just energy transition.

Speakers include UN Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders, Michel Forst; Climate Justice activist and author, Vanessa Nakate, and Indigenous activist, Txai Surui. 

When: Sunday, 3rd December 2023, 16:45-18:15 GST (Gulf Standard Time)

Where: Blue Zone, SE Room 8

This event will be available to watch online.

Co-organised by Global Witness, Natural Justice, Centre for Environmental Concerns (Philippines), CambiaMO, EarthRights International, and Rural Development Institute.

Supporting organisations: CIVICUS, Green Advocates, International Land Coalition Africa (ILC Africa), Universal Rights Group, E-Law, European Center for Non-Profit Law, International Center for Non-Profit Law

Deforestation dialogue session between Brazil and China

Join Global Witness in an open and constructive dialogue for civil society organisations operating in Brazil and China, working together to tackle global deforestation.

When: Monday, 4th December 2023, 19.00-21.00 GST (Gulf Standard Time)

Where: Unbox, Expo Village Boulevard - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This event is a closed-door session. 

To RSVP, please contact [email protected]

Press conference: Imprisoned climate leaders in Vietnam

In the “Energy, Industry, Just Transition and Indigenous Peoples’ Day” at COP28, International Rivers, 350.org and Global Witness will host a joint press conference that will be addressing the issue of the imprisoned climate leaders in Vietnam in the context of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

When: Tuesday, 5th December, time TBD GST (Gulf Standard Time)

Where: Blue Zone, press area

Putting people at the centre of a just transition: How can we achieve a people-focused approach to the energy transition?

Moving to an equitable energy transition is a hot topic for COP28. It’s clear we need to shift to clean energy and adapt to future climate risks. So how can we ensure the world does not switch from one model of extraction and exploitation to another?

One way to guarantee a just energy transition is by ensuring that land and environmental defenders, activists and impacted communities, including Indigenous peoples, have safe access to civic space and allow them to meaningfully participate in climate decision-making, not just be an observer.

Join us as we bring together activists, representatives of the civil society and audience members to share experiences, discuss solutions and explore opportunities for collaboration.

When: Friday 8th December 2023, 9.30-10.15 GST (Gulf Standard Time)

Where: Nordic Pavilion, Blue Zone

Speakers include climate activist Mitzi Jonelle Tan (Philippines), climate activist Mutuso Dhliwayo (Zimbabwe), climate justice activist Evelyn Acham (Uganda).

Co-organised by Global Witness, Amnesty International, Casa Socio-Environmental Fund, Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines, European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, International Rivers, Namati and Rise Up Climate Movement / Tard Foundation.

‘Listening session’: The realities of communities affected by transition mineral extraction

Join us for a special listening session where activists from Latin America, Africa and Asia share experiences of the everyday realities of communities affected by mineral extraction. 

The climate crisis demands we transition away from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy. Yet, the transition minerals that power green technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles are at the centre of a global tug-of-war between powerful nation states and international corporations. And the countries producing these minerals are finding themselves at the mercy of mining corporations, investors and governments determined to profit from the green energy revolution.

Together we’ll explore how extractive industries can be held accountable for the damaging environmental and social impact they have on communities, and how communities and defenders should be a part of decision-making for climate solutions. 

When: Friday 8th December, 19.00-21.00 GST (Gulf Standard Time)

Where: Unbox, Expo Village Boulevard - Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This event is a closed-door session. To RSVP, please contact [email protected]

Co-organised by Global Witness, Rise Up Movement/Tard Foundation and Agape Earth Coalition.