How are COP hosts decided?
Hosting duties for the Conference of the Parties (COP) follow a specific process:
Regional Rotation:
The core principle is rotation among the five United Nations regional groups:
The African Group
The Asia-Pacific Group
The Eastern Europe Group
The Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
The Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Selection within Region:
Member countries of a designated region hold consultations to determine which country will volunteer to host the upcoming COP.
This internal discussion ensures a representative country is chosen within the region.
Formal Offer and Acceptance:
Once a country is selected internally, it submits a formal offer to host the COP to the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) secretariat.
The COP body considers the offer and usually adopts a decision officially accepting it, subject to further confirmation.
Presidency Selection:
Similar to the hosting process, the regional group of the host country holds consultations to nominate a representative for the COP President position.
This nominated candidate is then elected President at the opening of the respective COP.
Do hosts substantially shape agenda?
Hosts of the Conference of the Parties do have some influence on shaping the agenda.
But it's not absolute power.
Influence of the Host:
Setting the Tone: The host country, through its designated COP President, can prioritize certain areas of discussion within the broad themes set by the UNFCCC.
Proposing Additional Items: The host can suggest new agenda items relevant to their national interests or regional priorities.
Shaping the Narrative: The host country can use its platform to emphasize specific aspects of
climate change and steer the conversation in a certain direction.
Limitations of the Host:
Pre-defined Framework: The overall framework and core agenda items are established by the UNFCCC and previous COP decisions.
Multilateral Consensus: Any significant changes or additions to the agenda require approval from all participating nations.
Focus on Inclusivity: The COP President, though representing the host, needs to facilitate discussions and ensure all parties have a voice.
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