What is the UNFCCC & COP?

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The UNFCCC is a United Nations (UN) entity is tasked with coordinating and supporting a global response to climate change and supported the creation of the historic Paris Agreement (2015).

The objectives of the three agreements (i.e Paris Agreement) under the UNFCCC is to “stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame which allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.” (UNFCCC, “About the Secretariat”)

The UNFCCC holds an annual Conference of the Parties (COP), where representatives from nearly all of its 198 member countries negotiate international agreements on climate change. A new country serves as the COP presidency each year to work alongside the UNFCCC to host the event. The COP presidency rotates between five regional groups (Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and other States). This year, the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) is being hosted in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22, 2024.

What are Some Key Discussion Points to look out for at COP29?

COP29 Key Topics

Climate Finance

One thread that is woven throughout many of the negotiations is climate finance. This year, Parties’ are negotiating a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that aims to meet the needs of developing countries for mitigating, adaptation, and loss and damage. This is the new annual climate finance target, as the current $100 billion pledge expires at the end of the year.

The Paris Agreement (2015)

*Global Peoples March at COP26 Scotland*

Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is still being negotiated. Article 6 provides a framework for voluntary international cooperation through carbon markets and non-market approaches to enhance ambition in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It consists of three key mechanisms:

Article 6.2: Cooperative approaches allowing countries to trade Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). For Indigenous Peoples, it is crucial that these transactions respect Indigenous rights at every stage.
Article 6.4: A centralized UN mechanism for trading emissions reductions, overseen by a Supervisory Body. Key developments since COP28 in Dubai include the following:

Thanks to the hard work of the International Indigenous Peoples Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC), a Grievance Mechanism has been established for addressing grievances related to Article 6.4 activities. This provides a channel for Indigenous peoples to raise concerns.
Sustainable Development Tool (SDT) Finalized: The SDT includes acceptable language in accordance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in particular FPIC, acknowledging the importance of Indigenous rights in a mandatory standard for activity design.

Article 6.8: Non-market approaches (NMAs) facilitating cooperation without the exchange of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Global emission reductions commitments are also a central focus. Following the adaptation of the Global Stocktake (GST) at COP28, countries will have to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—which outline specific targets, measures, strategies and timelines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—in early 2025.

“It may seem as though UN meetings and activities are not connected to what is happening in our communities at home. However, the outcomes of the negotiations, and the demands of Indigenous Peoples have direct impacts on national and regional policies that impact our rights, lands and territories at home. ”

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are self-determined by States with the goal of reducing emissions, adapting to climate change, and aligning with the 1.5°C target. COP29 will serve as a moment to encourage ambitious targets by all states, including so-Called Canada.

Just Transition

It needs to be noted that sustainable and just solutions to the climate crisis must be founded on meaningful and effective social dialogue and participation of all stakeholders and noted that the global transition to low emissions provides opportunities and challenges for sustainable economic development and poverty eradication.

The Just Transition Work Programme was established in COP27, where it was emphasized that just and equitable transition encompasses pathways including energy, socioeconomic, workforce and other dimensions.

Why is Indigenous Participation
Important at COP?

*LCIPP Working Group Meeting at COP27 Egypt*

Indigenous peoples across the globe have been advocating for their rightful place as active participants in international climate decision-making for decades. However, they are often met with institutional resistance, as these colonial multilateral bodies prioritize their own self-preservation and routines over meaningful change and real progress. This reproduction of so-called “efforts”—often in the form of policies presented as “climate solutions”—infringes on the rights of Indigenous peoples and harms their land in the process.

Combined with the exclusion from decision-making tables, this reinforces colonial dynamics of marginalization that leaves Indigenous peoples with increased vulnerability to the impacts of the climate crisis. Beyond seeking a seat at the table, Indigenous peoples have shared their criticisms of “how the current multilateral climate governance regime reproduces the ongoing legacy of colonialism” (Caromona et al., 2023, p.1). These criticisms highlight the importance of Indigenous participation in shaping global climate policy.

IIPFCC: Indigenous Peoples’ Forum of Climate Change

*International Indigenous Peoples Pavilion Opening at COP29 Baku*

The International Indigenous Peoples’ Forum on Climate Change (IIPFCC) was established in 2008, as the Caucus for Indigenous Peoples (IP) participating in the UNFCCC processes. The IIPFCC represents the IP Caucus members from seven regions of the world:

Asia
Asia-Pacific
Africa
Arctic
Latin America
North America and
Russia

The IIPFCC includes presenters and attendees at official UNFCCC COPs and inter-sessional sessions of the SBSTA/SBI bodies in between COPs, and are tasked with coming to an agreement on what IPs will be negotiating for in specific UNFCCC processes. IP representatives attending the meetings have their own organizations at subnational, national and global levels which have their own agenda, priorities and own proposals that they may carry and push for during the IP Caucus meetings.

*LCIPP Working Group Meeting at COP29 Baku*

LCIPP: Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform

The Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) was established in 2017 to facilitate the integration of diverse knowledge systems, practices and innovations in designing and implementing international and national actions, programmes and policies in a manner that respects and promotes the rights and interests of local communities and Indigenous Peoples. The platform also facilitates the exchange of experience and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned on mitigation and adaptation with global Indigenous Peoples in a holistic and integrated manner to enhance engagement in the UNFCCC process.

The LCIPP is an open and inclusive space for all Indigenous Peoples to engage and participate in the process through open calls for submissions on thematic work, annual gatherings, and work plan activities. Please visit the website for more information.

In Conclusion

It may seem as though UN meetings and activities are not connected to what is happening in our communities at home. However, the outcomes of the negotiations, and the demands of Indigenous Peoples have direct impacts on national and regional policies that impact our rights, lands and territories at home. The global Indigenous Peoples movement has worked tirelessly for decades to advocate for Indigenous voices, rights and knowledge to be recognized and protected within these global discussions contributing to visibility at home. ICA participates in the UNFCCC space as part of this global Indigenous movement fighting for our sovereignty, self-determination and to reclaim our role as leaders. We are not here to ask for permission but to demand recognition of what we already know is true - colonialism causes climate change and Indigenous peoples are the solution.

“Being some of the first and worst affected by the climate crisis, Indigenous communities need to be leading the way to a just future.”

Being some of the first and worst affected by the climate crisis, Indigenous communities need to be leading the way to a just future. It is vital to continue to push the rights of Indigenous Peoples to be at the forefront of international and national climate policy development and ICA is committed to achieving this goal. Follow Indigenous Climate Action, our allies, and the global Indigenous movement as we work towards climate justice for all.

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Value of Indigenous Participation Within the UNFCCC