Take Different Approach to COP 15 Negotiations

The undersigned independent international mediators, meeting in Copenhagen, issue the following statement:

Concerned Mediators urge Delegates: Take Different Approach to COP 15 Negotiations

The UN has made considerable progress in bringing together nearly 200 countries and 1.300 non governmental organizations for the COP 15 negotiations to find solutions to the serious issues raised by climate change. These are complex negotiations and we recognise the skill, expertise and commitment of those involved and the progress that is being made.

We understand how difficult it is to reach consensus on so many complex issues, and acknowledge the frustration that many involved in the discussions feel about the process.

We are concerned that the negotiations may not achieve the results our children and grandchildren deserve.

As professional mediators our work involves designing processes that can break impasse in difficult negotiations.

In our experience, there are other ways to approach these negotiations and enhance the prospects of success, for example by:
making sure all parties feel respected, heard and involved in all important discussions and decision-making sessions
clearly identifying priorities, concerns, options and objectives, and making these fully transparent
supporting unilateral concessions and making sure that all participants are able to save face and preserve dignity
ensuring that the right people are able to talk together about the right issues, so as to encourage responsibility for sustainable implementation

We believe that increased use of informal processes led by skilled mediators and facilitators could help achieve these results.

Copenhagen on 11 December 2009