ICLEI submits views on observer participation at Green Climate Fund
Operationalization of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) was one of the most important outcomes of COP17 held in Durban, S. Africa in December 2011.
By 30 March 2012, national governments will submit their nominations to be seated in the Board of GCF. Interested governments and organizations will also submit their bids to host the Secretariat of the GCF by 15 April 2012. The first meeting of the Board will be held on 30 April 2012.
It is is expected that at this first meeting, Board might consider a proposal on modalities for observer participation and provide guidance on specific procedures for effective participation of observers, including active observers.
Para.16 of Dec.3/CP17 defines two types of observers for the purpose of the Green Climate Fund; a) accredited observers, b) active observers, which consists of two civil society and two private sector representatives, where developed and developing countries are equally represented.
In order to effectively support the Board, the Interim Secretariat of the GCF has reached out to a number of organizations for initial consultation on the broad modalities of observer participation in the work of the Board.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability submit views to the Interim Secretariat of the Board of Green Climate Fund on 28 March 2012.
In brief, ICLEI
- proposes that any organization that has been accredited to the UNFCCC pursuant to provisions layout in Art.7 para.6 of the UNFCCC should be considered as an accredited organization for the proceedings of the Board of Green Climate Fund,
- expresses deep concerns that the current description of “active observers” in para.16 of Dec.3/CP17 presents a huge barrier for active engagement local governments and their networks in the work of Green Climate Fund. This is mainly due to the fact that neither “civil society” nor “private sector” are appropriate definitions, descriptions, classifications or terminologies that describe mission and role for local governments and their networks,
- encourages the Interim Secretariat to consider convening “Green Climate Fund Consultation Roundtables with Mayors/Governmental Stakeholders for Green Climate Actions” in regular intervals,
- expresses readiness to play a facilitating role in such a process, provided that necessary resources are generated by Parties or through other appropriate channels,
- and also recommends the Interim Secretariat to support nominated active observers in their efforts to update other accredited observers as appropriate.