A successful European Climate Diplomacy Day in Australia
européenne d’action diplomatique sur le climat
In the lead-up to the Climate Conference in Paris at the end of the year, the Embassy of France organised, for the second year in a row, the European Climate Diplomacy Day on June 17.
Like the first year, the event was collaboratively organised by the Delegation of the European Union (EU), the Embassies of France and Germany and the High Commission of the United Kingdom in Australia.
8 similar events organised simultaneously in 7australian capital cities
For this second edition in Australia, the Embassy coordinated 8 events based on a similar model, to be held simultaneously in 7 australian capital cities: Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Sydney (2 events + a complementary event on 22 June at the Alliance Française)
In each location, the event started with the screening of the documentary The Climate Blueprint (52 min, by Spanish directors Ruth Chao and Fran X. Rodriguez - watch the trailer). This documentary set the foundations for an informed debate on the risks and challenges stemming from climate change, and the key role being played by the European Union and its Member States. A panel discussion followed the screening in each location. Varied and representative panels were assembled in each location, including representatives of the European Union or one of its Member States, expert scientists, political and business representatives, as well as NGO activists. All in all, over 40 speakers took part in the debates. Following a short intervention by each panelist, a Q&A session with the audience led to rich and informed debates in each location.
High level representatives
Several ambassadors from European countries took part in the events. The French Embassador, H.E. Christophe Lecourtier and his German counterpart took an active role in the Melbourne event, the Belgian and Italian Ambassadors participated in Sydney, the Italian Ambassador in Canberra and the EU Ambassador in Brisbane. Outside of the EU, the Norwegian Ambassador also participated in the event in Perth.
Four Australian ministers also joined in the panels: the Environment Ministers from Queensland, South Australia and ACT, as well as the NSW Planning Minister.
In parallel, the Greek Embassy organised the screening of The Climate Blueprint in 8 Greek-Australian colleges throughout Australia, followed by discussions attended by around 500 students.
This operation proved very popular, with close to 2,000 people attending one of the events, many of them influential in the debate around climate action.
The events in Brisbane and Hobart were recorded. The footage can be streamed online for free:
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