International conference on climate change diplomacy

An international conference addressing climate change diplomacy will take place in Malta next month organised by DiploFoundation in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The conference will revolve around the notion that the urgency of climate change issues and their complexity require innovation in diplomatic processes. Although climate change is a global issue, by necessity, not only states must take the leading role in addressing such issues but other actors - including civil society, the business community, and academia - are essential partners.

Participants will discuss both traditional and innovative approaches used in climate change diplomacy. They will focus largely on capacity-building. The conference will address the training and other needs of small states and other actors who, due to limited financial or human resources, do not participate fully in climate change diplomacy.

The conference, on February 7 and 8, will be opened by Foreign Minister Michael Frendo. The keynote speech will be delivered by Michael Zammit Cutajar, Ambassador for Climate Change and vice chair of the UNFCCC Group.

Other main local speakers include Martin Scicluna, a member of the National Commission for Sustainable Development, who will talk about Malta's Sustainable Development Plan; Charles Sammut, from the University of Malta, who will discuss Malta's communication to the UNFCC; and Martin Galea, president of the Federation of Industry, who will be sharing the business sector's perspective on climate change.

A number of international speakers will be attending the conference, some of whom were key contributors at the Bali Summit.

DiploFoundation will be sharing its decade of experience in using online tools and training and ­capacity-building in diplomatic skills for developing countries.

For more information and to register visit www.diplomacy.edu/Conferences/ClimateChange/default.asp, e-mail conference@diplomacy.edu or call 2133 3323.