Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Paragraph: 24
All countries share a common interest in preserving the planet—the global impacts of the climate...
Recommendation
All countries share a common interest in preserving the planet—the global impacts of the climate crisis mean that COP26 will provide an opportunity for the UK to exercise soft power and rebuild relationships with key countries where differences remain on other issues. The UK Government should use its COP26 Presidency as an opportunity to open dialogues with countries and people around the world on common climate issues. The UK should capitalise on opportunities for collaboration, with like- minded partners on intellectual property sharing for green technology. The FCDO can play a key role in collecting information for the COP Unit, engaging in discussions with countries around the world to discover ‘red lines’ and areas where there is negotiating flexibility. If our diplomatic network is to be effective, posts will need to be set clear negotiating objectives. It will also be essential to secure public support for climate polices. We recommend that the FCDO sets out an engagement strategy that goes beyond governments, using international media and public engagement to promote behavioural change and popular commitment to climate polices.
Paragraph Reference:
24
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
6.1 To help deliver a successful COP26, climate diplomacy is at the centre of the work of the whole FCDO diplomatic network. COP26 is a central part of how we approach economics, politics, development and soft power locally. The Integrated Review also defined tackling climate change and biodiversity loss as the UK’s highest international priority for the next decade. Heads of Mission and climate attachés and advisers are given clear and specific engagement priorities on a regular basis at all levels of the COP26 campaign. This includes both short-term lobbying instructions, and longer-term political objectives and goals. For example, in addition to regular verbal briefings, we write to all Heads of Mission on a quarterly basis setting out specific diplomatic priorities for the network for the coming period in line with the four goals of the COP campaign. 6.2 This is supported by constant engagement by the COP26 Regional Ambassadors with Embassies across their regions, a weekly network newsletter with over one and a half thousand recipients, and an extensive programme of seminars and teach-ins to ensure our diplomats have the skills and knowledge to deliver our instructions. The COP President Designate has also personally written to all Heads of Mission to share more information about what the four goals mean in practice, and has held a number of video-conference calls with them in recent months and will hold more in the months to COP26. 6.3 This approach ensures that our diplomatic network has a clear sense of what success looks like, but also the specific deliverables to pursue locally to both deliver a successful COP and also to strengthen the long-term bilateral relationship. Posts are encouraged and asked to engage not just host governments but businesses, sub-national actors, civil society, 8 First Special Report of Session 2021–22 indigenous groups and faith actors. For example, UK diplomats across Europe have been collaborating with Corporate Leaders Group and other members of the We Mean Business network, setting up interactive workshops for businesses to learn more about, and get advice for, committing to Business Ambition for 1.5C. Further, UK diplomats in building climate-resilient communities across Zimbabwe, Zambia and Uganda; and as part of the Resilient 40 programme, have been promoting the use of sustainable practices in specific Internally Displaced Persons and refugee camps across the continent. Finally, UK to increase their ambition and to deliver an inclusive COP. The Embassies of the United Kingdom and Italy to the Holy See, together with the Holy See, will convene a meeting of religious leaders and scientists in Rome in autumn 2021 to build momentum for COP26. 6.4 The FCDO Communication team, along with communication teams across the FCDO global network, work closely with COP Unit to deliver communication activity to help raise awareness of and promote support for COP26 amongst international audiences, including leaders, decision makers and wider populations. Activity is delivered via the full spectrum of communication channels, including media and engaging influencers and advocates with domestic and global reach to drive awareness of COP26, inspire climate ambition and action, and demonstrate the diverse and inclusive nature of the UK’s COP26 Presidency. 6.5 Furthermore, through the FCDO global network, there has been media engagement on amplifying UK domestic announcements including the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan, publication of the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution and end to new overseas fossil fuel financing, collectively positioning the UK as global leader on environmental protections, supporting our COP26 Presidency’s work to drive greater ambition and commitments from other nations.