Participants watched a film documenting the capacity for youth to contribute to risk deduction, from the children themselves.

Madeleen Helmer, Red Cross/Red Crescent Climate Centre, moderated panel discussions on bridging the gap between scientific data and community responses.

Erik Solheim, Minister of the Environment and International Development, Norway, described a way forward as a combination of: governmental preparation, including scientific-based knowledge and early warning systems; mobilization of people; and improvement of infrastructure. He reflected that although science demonstrates that disasters have become more severe and damaging, government and civil society demonstrate improved preparation to disaster risk reduction.

Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), highlighted findings from the IPCC Special Report on Extreme Events and the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Framework for Climate Services, inter alia: implications of exposure increase with vulnerability; extreme temperature ranges and rainfall are increased due to anthropogenic impact; identification of extreme weather prediction for small island and developing countries; and economic implications. He acknowledged the need for capacity building in vulnerable communities, indicating the basis is scientific awareness.

Mary Power, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), explored challenges of governance to early warning systems, requiring additional communication capacity. She explained the purpose of the Global Framework to produce knowledge for action that is empowering to the most vulnerable, and encouraged continued dialogue between data providers and end-users to produce nationally-tailored mechanisms.

Nick Ireland, Save the Children, said science is essential for resource allocation but not necessary for action, and shared efforts made to address the humanitarian effects of climate change. He lamented that where science is needed is often where the largest gaps exist, urging for the downgrading of science to target utilization in vulnerable areas, and advocating for the inclusion of text in negotiations to refer to children and women.

Frehiwot Worku, Secretary General, Ethiopian Red Cross Society, discussed the bridge Red Cross has built to translate and disseminate forecasting data, as well as potential to direct data to global studies. She shared how recent efforts, including the education of youth, has helped to avert humanitarian impacts of climate change and improve climate resiliency.

Njeri Kuria, Kenya Climate Challenge Project (KCCP), noted that panelists failed to acknowledge the: capacity of children; infringement of children’s rights; need to simplify information for youth; and need to build a platform for children to share their experiences.

Moderator Pepetua Latasi, Chair of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG), congratulated least developed countries (LDC) on preparing their national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) on time. She announced publications on: best practices and lessons learned; step-by-step guide for implementing NAPAs; and steps to access the fund.

Pa Ousman Jarju, Chair of the LDC Group, acknowledged the work done by LEG, the GEF and other donors during a decade of collaboration. He stressed the need for further resources, and congratulated LDC on their NAPA preparations. Bonizella Biagini, GEF, announced that over the last few days, due to further contributions, the LDC Fund has exceeded the half-a-billion dollar mark, and mentioned accessing the fund has been accelerated exponentially since 2008.

Pradeep Kurukulasuriya, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), expressed his gratitude to the LEG for fast-tracking the process of funding and assisting LDCs. He emphasized UNDP´s aim to place NAPA process as a high priority. Ermira Fida, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), stressed UNEP´s role in supporting countries to reach NAPA priorities; and implementing ecosystem-based adaptation, combined with interventions of hard infrastructure.

Nadine Azzu, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reflected on the spirit of collaboration between the funding agencies, and recognized LDC needs for assistance in achieving resilience against climate change and food security.

During discussions, the panel answered questions on: the speed of the process; selection of the GEF implementing agencies; low fund absorption; low capacity building for local project developers; integration of development activities into adaptation actions; and lack of ecosystem-based adaptation guidance.

Moderator Nikhil Seth, UNCSD, welcomed the Prime Minister of Ethiopia to the meeting, opening discussions on the upcoming Rio+20 Conference.

Sha Zukang, DESA Under-Secretary-General and the UNCSD Secretary General, reflected on submissions to the compilation text including: combating poverty; advancing food security and sustainable agriculture; improving energy access; developing sustainable cities; managing oceans; and improving resilience and disaster preparedness; protecting forests, mountains; improving land management and sanitation. He stressed the integration of economic, social and environmental pillars, requiring energizing implementation.

André Corrêa do Lago, Brazil, credited the Rio conventions for production of knowledge and science on climate change, heralding the Rio+20 Conference as a once in a generation opportunity to address long-term issues. He acknowledged the essential role that civil society plays in such negotiations.

Dorah Nteo, Chief Director of Coordination and Information Management, Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa, related challenges from hosting the World Summit on Sustainable Development, such as: agreement on nature and structure of outcome; methods for consultation with member countries; implementation of envisaged outcomes; and importance of pre-summit diplomacy.

José Solla, Deputy National Secretary of the Brazilian Organizing Committee, Brazil, relayed updates from the logistical planning for Rio+20, underscoring commitment to hosting a green event, with accessibility and connectivity.

Andrew Steer, World Bank, presented the policy brief “Climate-Smart Agriculture Africa: A Call to Action”, and that food security, poverty and climate change are closely linked.

Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, South Africa, highlighted the importance of placing climate-smart agriculture in COP 17 Agenda. She noted the need to implement the action plan and take advantage of climate-smart agriculture benefits for mitigation, adaptation and food security.

Kofi Annan, Chairman, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, talked about the importance of sustainable agriculture. He said that the current financial turmoil and social pressures must not be used as an excuse to delay progress on climate change negotiations. Annan urged stakeholders to continue working after COP 17, based on common but differentiated responsibilities, to: meet the agreed target to limit global warming; promote technology transfer for mitigation and adaptation; and deliver the developed countries´ commitment for the Green Climate Fund.

Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of Ethiopia, noted that 70% of Africans are farmers, and said that even achieving the global target of limiting emissions below 2 degree Celsius will not reduce the negative impacts of climate change on African agriculture. He underscored that climate resilient agriculture must start protecting water resources and soil degradation.

Jean Ping, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, underscored that Africa is the most vulnerable continent regarding climate change impacts. He noted the importance of water, and urged that Rio+20 focus on water management issues.

Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Managing Director of the World Bank, said that improving Africa performance is the most powerful tool to reduce world poverty and hunger. She urged continued efforts to invest in agriculture and rural development. She stated that climate-smart techniques will increase food production and make agriculture more resilient for climate change while contributing to mitigation.

Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, said climate-smart agriculture seeks to enhance productivity and reduce vulnerability to climate change with techniques such as: conservation, crop rotation, agroforestry, water management, and innovative practices such as improved weather forecasting. He noted that despite recent economic growth in many countries in the region, poverty continues to be an overwhelming challenge due to lack of: safe drinking water; sanitation; irrigation for crops; and access to energy.