Concept Note: 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action at COP29

The Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action at the UNFCCC (GFCBCA) reconvenes for a pivotal 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue at COP29, fortified by the shared conviction that acknowledging the cultural dimensions of climate action is crucial for achieving effective and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.

This second meeting is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan and GFCBCA co-chairs Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.

The GFCBCA was launched at COP28 with the unanimous adoption of the Emirates Declaration on Culture-Based Climate Action. The historic meeting marked a breakthrough in the global movement to build consensus on culture-based climate action and to promote coordinated action and structured and inclusive dialogue across membership (parties and knowledge partners) and stakeholders, with a shared goal of launching the first Work Program on Culture-based Climate Action at the UNFCCC.

The agenda of the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue will include updates on how GFCBCA members are working collaboratively to pursue:

1) The implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA - 2/CMA.5), approved at COP28, especially with regard to paragraph 9g "Protecting cultural heritage from the impacts of climate-related risks by developing adaptive strategies for preserving cultural practices and heritage sites and by designing climate-resilient infrastructure, guided by traditional knowledge, Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and local knowledge systems;"

2) The inclusion of culture-based climate action in the delivery of National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC);

3) Promoting sustainable and resilient communities by increasing efforts to support vulnerable people through approaches that value diverse knowledge systems and cultural expressions that safeguard tangible, intangible, natural, and cultural heritage, anchored in shared human values of solidarity, care, and respect; targeting research and innovation; and focusing on the specific needs of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, seniors, children, and the youth, as well as people at risk of social exclusion ;

4) Exploring opportunities to realize the tasks mentioned above in close partnership with national, regional, and international stakeholders.

Key Objectives of the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue:

● Consolidate International Consensus: Strengthen the global recognition of culture's pivotal role in climate action, advocating for its integration into climate policy and planning at all levels.

● Approve the Terms of Reference of the Group of Friends: Establish a clear framework for culture-based climate action, encompassing guiding principles, goals and expected results from the multilateral culture-based climate action initiative.

● Enhance North-South & South-South Exchange: Foster knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships between developed and developing nations, promoting equitable and inclusive climate solutions.

● Develop Impact Measurement Strategies: Discuss the formulation of methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of culture-based climate initiatives.

● Accelerate Global Adaptation Efforts: Leverage the power of culture to drive systemic transitions toward a climate-resilient future, addressing the urgent need for scaled-up adaptation measures.

Call to Action

The 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action at COP29 represents a critical opportunity to galvanize global support for the integration of culture into climate solutions. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches, we can harness the transformative power of culture to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Practical Information Guide

2nd High-Level Ministerial Meeting for Culture-Based Climate Action at COP29

Date: 15 November 2024, 11:00-12:30.

Venue: Baku Stadium, Blue Zone

Event Overview

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is pleased to extend an invitation to the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue, taking place within COP29. This significant dialogue will emphasize the vital role of culture in addressing the climate crisis and shaping effective, sustainable solutions.

Registration

● We kindly request participants to register by 20 October 2024 by filling out the attached registration form and submitting to [email protected] together with a scan of the travel document.

Visa Facilitation

● The Ministry of Culture will support the attendees of the meeting in issuing the visa. The registered participants will receive the letter and will be required to show the letter upon arrival

● To issue the visa letter please send the scan of your passport (The period of validity of the travel document should be 4 months longer than the expiration date of the visa letter)

Contact Information

For any questions or assistance, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team:

● Registration: [email protected] ● General inquiries: [email protected]

COP29 Blue Zone Map

Concept Note: 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue for Culture-Based Climate Action at COP29

The Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action at the UNFCCC (GFCBCA) reconvenes for a pivotal 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue at COP29, fortified by the shared conviction that acknowledging the cultural dimensions of climate action is crucial for achieving effective and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.

This second meeting is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan and GFCBCA co-chairs Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.

The GFCBCA was launched at COP28 with the unanimous adoption of the Emirates Declaration on Culture-Based Climate Action. The historic meeting marked a breakthrough in the global movement to build consensus on culture-based climate action and to promote coordinated action and structured and inclusive dialogue across membership (parties and knowledge partners) and stakeholders, with a shared goal of launching the first Work Program on Culture-based Climate Action at the UNFCCC.

The agenda of the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue will include updates on how GFCBCA members are working collaboratively to pursue:

1) The implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA - 2/CMA.5), approved at COP28, especially with regard to paragraph 9g "Protecting cultural heritage from the impacts of climate-related risks by developing adaptive strategies for preserving cultural practices and heritage sites and by designing climate-resilient infrastructure, guided by traditional knowledge, Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge and local knowledge systems;"

2) The inclusion of culture-based climate action in the delivery of National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC);

3) Promoting sustainable and resilient communities by increasing efforts to support vulnerable people through approaches that value diverse knowledge systems and cultural expressions that safeguard tangible, intangible, natural, and cultural heritage, anchored in shared human values of solidarity, care, and respect; targeting research and innovation; and focusing on the specific needs of Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women, seniors, children, and the youth, as well as people at risk of social exclusion ;

4) Exploring opportunities to realize the tasks mentioned above in close partnership with national, regional, and international stakeholders.

Key Objectives of the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue:

● Consolidate International Consensus: Strengthen the global recognition of culture's pivotal role in climate action, advocating for its integration into climate policy and planning at all levels.

● Approve the Terms of Reference of the Group of Friends: Establish a clear framework for culture-based climate action, encompassing guiding principles, goals and expected results from the multilateral culture-based climate action initiative.

● Enhance North-South & South-South Exchange: Foster knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collaborative partnerships between developed and developing nations, promoting equitable and inclusive climate solutions.

● Develop Impact Measurement Strategies: Discuss the formulation of methodologies for assessing the effectiveness of culture-based climate initiatives.

● Accelerate Global Adaptation Efforts: Leverage the power of culture to drive systemic transitions toward a climate-resilient future, addressing the urgent need for scaled-up adaptation measures.

Call to Action

The 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action at COP29 represents a critical opportunity to galvanize global support for the integration of culture into climate solutions. By fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovative approaches, we can harness the transformative power of culture to build a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Practical Information Guide

2nd High-Level Ministerial Meeting for Culture-Based Climate Action at COP29

Date: 15 November 2024, 11:00-12:30.

Venue: Baku Stadium, Blue Zone

Event Overview

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan is pleased to extend an invitation to the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue, taking place within COP29. This significant dialogue will emphasize the vital role of culture in addressing the climate crisis and shaping effective, sustainable solutions.

Registration

● We kindly request participants to register by 20 October 2024 by filling out the attached registration form and submitting to [email protected] together with a scan of the travel document.

Visa Facilitation

● The Ministry of Culture will support the attendees of the meeting in issuing the visa. The registered participants will receive the letter and will be required to show the letter upon arrival

● To issue the visa letter please send the scan of your passport (The period of validity of the travel document should be 4 months longer than the expiration date of the visa letter)

Contact Information

For any questions or assistance, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team:

● Registration: [email protected] ● General inquiries: [email protected]

COP29 Blue Zone Map

№0057

H.E. Heidy Purga Minister for Culture of the Republic of Estonia

Your Excellency,

We are honored to invite you to participate at the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action, to be held on November 15, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This High-Level Meeting will build on the achievements of last year’s meeting, aiming to foster dialogue and build consensus on the critical role of culture in addressing climate change and accelerating global adaptation efforts.

Recognizing the imperative for collective and all-inclusive efforts to urgently address climate change, we believe culture to be a powerful force shaping values and behaviors and playing a vital role in driving transformative climate change.

Your participation at this meeting will be invaluable in shaping the future of culture- based climate action. We look forward to welcoming you to this important event. Participants are kindly requested to provide the completed registration form to the [email protected] by October 20.

The concept note, information note, and registration form for the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action are attached herewith.

Sincerely,

Mukhtar Babayev COP29 President- Designate

Adil Karimli Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi Minister of Culture of the United Arab Emirates

Margareth Menezes Minister of Culture of the Federative Republic of Brazil

October 4, 2024

№0057

H.E. Heidy Purga Minister for Culture of the Republic of Estonia

Your Excellency,

We are honored to invite you to participate at the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action, to be held on November 15, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

This High-Level Meeting will build on the achievements of last year’s meeting, aiming to foster dialogue and build consensus on the critical role of culture in addressing climate change and accelerating global adaptation efforts.

Recognizing the imperative for collective and all-inclusive efforts to urgently address climate change, we believe culture to be a powerful force shaping values and behaviors and playing a vital role in driving transformative climate change.

Your participation at this meeting will be invaluable in shaping the future of culture- based climate action. We look forward to welcoming you to this important event. Participants are kindly requested to provide the completed registration form to the [email protected] by October 20.

The concept note, information note, and registration form for the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on Culture-Based Climate Action are attached herewith.

Sincerely,

Mukhtar Babayev COP29 President- Designate

Adil Karimli Minister of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi Minister of Culture of the United Arab Emirates

Margareth Menezes Minister of Culture of the Federative Republic of Brazil

October 4, 2024