The Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue is pleased to share this important initiative, and more details will follow soon. Stay tuned for updates!
Date and Venue: 23 October 2024, Domaine de la Pastorale (Route de Ferney 106, 1202), Geneva
Format: This hybrid conference will be held both in-person and online, offering an inclusive platform to discuss human rights and climate change ahead of COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Conference Structure: The event will open with high-level statements from co-sponsoring Permanent Missions and keynote speakers, including UN Special Rapporteurs. Following this, three one-hour panels will focus on:
- Youth voices as catalysts for climate justice
- Indigenous peoples’ contributions to environmental protection
- Small island states leading climate justice efforts
Each panel will feature brief presentations from experts, followed by an interactive dialogue, concluding with final remarks from the moderator.
Objectives: The conference aims to highlight the commitment of youth, indigenous peoples, and small island states in advancing climate justice despite significant obstacles. Discussions will focus on enhancing access to education, public information, and climate litigation mechanisms, while exploring how to empower marginalized voices in environmental decision-making processes.
This event provides a space for exchanging best practices and offering actionable recommendations to drive a sustainable, inclusive transition toward climate justice, urging collaboration between governments, civil society, and international bodies to accelerate progress.
Background: The conference builds on recent legal developments, including the UN Human Rights Council’s establishment of a mandate for climate change-related human rights and the adoption of a landmark UN General Assembly resolution calling for an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on state obligations in relation to climate change. The panels will explore the roles of youth, indigenous peoples, and small island states in advancing these efforts through advocacy and litigation.
High Level Segment and Keynote Speakers
- H.E. Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
- Ms. Elisa Morgera, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Context of Climate Change
- Ms. Astrid Puentes Riaño, Special Rapporteur on the Right to a Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment
- Mr. Sec. Robert E.A. Borje, Minister, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director, Climate Change Commission, Philippines
- Ms. Christine Adam, Director and Principal Legal Advisor, UN Climate Change
- Mr. Todd Howland, Chief of Branch, Development, Economic, and Social Rights, OHCHR
