UN climate summit shifts balance of power, more slots to South

By Samuel Ogunsona

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has revamped its quota allocations for observer groups at the upcoming COP29 summit.

The global body has shifted the balance of power in favour of the South,Irohinoodua was informed on Monday.

The changes prioritize non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from developing countries, awarding them more attendance badges.

Officials said the decision aims to amplify diverse voices and promote global solidarity in the fight against climate change.

Campaigners in the Global South have hailed the reforms as a crucial step towards a more inclusive and equitable process.

“This is a significant step towards ensuring that the voices of those most affected by climate change are heard,” said Mohamed Adow, director of Nairobi-based think-tank Power Shift Africa.

However, some green groups in the Global North have expressed surprise and disappointment at the substantial cuts to their allocated quotas. “We understand the need for diversity, but this move will limit our ability to participate in the summit,” said a spokesperson for a US-based environmental organization.

Despite the concerns, the UNFCCC remains committed to transparency and continuous improvement in the process. “We need global solidarity to address the climate crisis,” said UNFCCC Executive Secretary Simon Stiell.

“We will continue to work towards a more inclusive and effective process.”

Some of the recent developments includes increased badges for NGOs from developing countries at COP29
In other to address regional representation imbalance and ensure diverse voices.

In the handbook for observers, published after the RINGO letter had been sent, Stiell pleaded with organisations affected by the changes to support the re-balancing efforts “in a spirit of global solidarity which is so crucial to success, at all levels”.

He also pointed out that the overall number of observer badges had to be cut this year due to a reduction of space at COP29. The summit hosted by Azerbaijan at Baku’s “Olympic Stadium” is expected to be smaller than last year’s gathering in Dubai, which saw a record-breaking 84,000 people attending. A member of Azerbaijan’s COP29 organising committee told Climate Home in April they were expecting around 40,000 people.