This December 2015 world governments will gather in Paris, France for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP21 climate negotiations, where they will work to finalize an international climate agreement with profound implications for our global trajectory and the health of people and planet for both present and future generations.
The window of opportunity for acting on climate change will not be open for long – making this likely the most critical climate negotiations of our times.
Jaqui Patterson, Melina Laboucan-Massimo, and Thilmeeza Hussain at WECAN's 'Women Speak: Climate Justice on the Road to Paris & Beyond' event, September 2015
The Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network (WECAN International) will be in Paris during COP21 – working both inside the UNFCCC negotiations, as well at outside events and on the streets with diverse civil society efforts and people’s movements. We will advocate for plans and policies that are in line with the magnitude of the crisis we face, and which foster justice for women, the Earth, and all of its peoples.
Public Events Outside of COP21
Dec 7: Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change - Paris
Free and open to the public!
English - French - Spanish translation will be available
Dr. Vandana Shiva and Dr. Jane Goodall speak at WECAN's International Women's Earth & Climate Summit. Photo by Lori Waselchuk.
Join the Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network on December 7th for ‘Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change – Paris’, an extraordinary gathering with worldwide women leaders joined in solidarity to speak out against environmental and social injustice, draw attention to root causes of the climate crisis, and present the diverse array of visions and strategies with which they are working to shape a healthy and equitable world.
This event is organized with the conviction that real forward movement towards climate justice depends on the full and equal participation of women in all stages of decision making and implementation, and that real change will come from women mobilizing and taking action at the local, national, and international level. Women have always been on the frontlines, now it is time for them to be at the forefront.
‘Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change – Paris’
December 7, 2015 - 13:00 to 18:30
Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel, 18 Boulevard Haussmann 75009 Paris
Speakers to date include:
Vandana Shiva - World renowned activist, Founder of Navdanya Institute, India
Mary Robinson - President, Mary Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice & former President of Ireland
Patricia Gualinga - Indigenous Kichwa leader from Sarayaku, Ecuador
Josefina Skerk - Vice President of the Saami Parliament, Sweden
Fleur Newman - Programme Officer and UNFCCC Gender Focal Point representing the UNFCCC Secretariat, Germany
Gloria Ushigua - President of the Association of Sapara Women, Ecuador
Neema Namadamu - Director of SAFECO & WECAN DR Congo Coordinator, Democratic Republic of Congo
Casey Camp Horinek - Ponca Nation elder & representative of the Indigenous Environmental Network, USA
Aleta Baun - Conservationist & anti-mining activist of West Timor, Indonesia
Kandi Mossett - Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Climate & Energy Campaign Organizer with the Indigenous Environmental Network, USA
Jacqueline Patterson - Director, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Environmental & Climate Justice Program, USA
Geneviève Azam - Scientific Council Member, Attac France
Eriel Deranger - Communications Manager of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Canada
Angelina Galiteva – Founder, Renewables 100 Policy Institute, USA
Natalie Isaacs – CEO and co-Founder, 1 Million Women, Australia
Mary Louise Malig - Campaigns Coordinator & Research Associate with the Global Forest Coalition, Philippines
Thilmeeza Hussain - Founder of Voice of Women, Maldives
Naomi Ages - Climate Liability Project Lead, Greenpeace USA
UNFCCC Women & Gender Constituency Representative
Sally Ranney – co-Founder, Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network, USA
Osprey Orielle Lake - co-Founder and Executive Director, Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network, USA
Gloria Ushigua of Ecuador speaks at a WECAN event during COP20
Dec 4 & 5: International Rights of Nature Tribunal
Free & open to the public!
The International Rights of Nature Tribunal will meet in Paris on the 4th and 5th of December. Hosted by the Global Alliance for the Right of Nature, the Tribunal is a unique, citizen-created initiative that gives people from all around the world the opportunity to testify publicly on destruction of the Earth and their communities, while advancing an alternative legal framework for living in harmony with the Earth.
The Tribunal will feature internationally renowned lawyers and leaders for planetary justice, who will hear cases addressing issues such as climate change, GMOs, fracking, extractive industries and other environmental violations and offer judgments and recommendations for the Earth’s protection based on the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth.
WECAN International serves on the Steering Committee for the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature. WECAN's Executive Director, Osprey Orielle Lake, is honored to serve as a key event organizer and the lead tribunal judge for the climate change case.
Formal Events Inside COP21
Inside of the COP21 venue, WECAN will advocate with the Women and Gender Constituency, hold an official UN side event, and participate in various press conferences on women and climate change, the Women's Climate Action Agenda, and the International Rights of Nature Tribunal.
Further details on press conferences will be posted as they become available
Accreditation badge required to enter events listed below
Dec 8 - Global Women & Indigenous Peoples on the Frontline of Climate Solutions: Forests & Renewable Energy
Alicia Cahuiya Iteca, Huaorani Nation speaks at a WECAN event during COP20 Lima
Join us for a formal COP21 side event where we will examine the Women’s Climate Action Agenda, a climate justice blueprint for our path forward; present the Sarayaku people of Ecuador’s "Living Forest" proposal, highlighting Amazonian indigenous solutions; and showcase women as agents of change in transitioning to 100% renewable energy.
Formal UN Side Event at COP21 - Requires accreditation badge to enter
December 8, 15:00-16:30
Observer Room 01, Blue Zone
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If you would like to join the Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network on the ground in Paris, or would like to participate in pre-COP21 strategy sessions with our international women’s network – please contact Emily at emily@wecaninternational.org
All questions and comments about WECAN International at COP21 may likewise be directed to emily@wecaninternational.org
