Commonwealth to galvanise networks on climate change

Officials from nine Commonwealth countries met on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, this week to consider actions to help member states address the impacts of climate change.

The meeting -- which took place on 14 November 2006 -- was part of a Commonwealth Secretariat and Commonwealth Foundation initiative with a special focus on assisting highly vulnerable states, especially small states and least developed countries, in dealing with climate change.

"The Commonwealth's professional networks are valuable resources in helping raise awareness of climate change and providing technical support at the community level," Janet Strachan, Economic Adviser with the Commonwealth Secretariat, said.

"Some options of providing assistance include the use of Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation advisers, networking on policy approaches and building capacities in creating climate scenarios to inform policy.

"Teachers, health professionals, foresters, meteorologists, planners, architects, surveyors, parliamentarians and the media all have an important role to play."

A draft approach on ways to adapt to climate change will be presented at a Commonwealth environment ministers meeting in Nairobi next February.

On 16 November 2006, Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Ransford Smith also announced that the Commonwealth Consultative Group on Environment will meet before the 24th Session of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme/Global Ministerial Environment Forum which will take place in Nairobi from 5 to 9 February 2007.

The objective is to develop a programme and an action plan by the 2007 Kampala Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Kenya
• Small States
• Environment
• Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation