YPSEA 2010 Climate Change Conf Concept and Program - Draft as of 8 Sept 2010-1

8/8/2019 YPSEA 2010 Climate Change Conf Concept and Program - Draft as of 8 Sept 2010-1

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Understanding the Science of Climate Change, its Impacts onSoutheast Asia,

And Identifying the Roles of Young Progressives

17-21 September 2010Calamba City, Laguna, Philippines

Organized by the Young Progressives Southeast Asia (YPSEA)In Partnership with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES)

Background

The climate crisisClimate change has become one of the most urgent – and also among the mostintensely debated – global challenges of the century. Despite vigorous counter-claims,scientific climate studies have linked the changing climate and global warming to the

recurring and intensifying extreme weather events that have adversely altered theenvironments from the Arctic regions to sub-Saharan Africa, from the world’s smallislands to Asia's river deltas, among others. Reports have further shown that climatechange and the rising global temperature will continue to pose great risks to lives andlivelihood across the continents, which are seen to impact heavily on migrationpatterns, labor, food and water security, spread of diseases, housing resources,biodiversity, agriculture and forest issues – all of which can be reduced, quite plainly, tothe core issues of vulnerability and survival of people and their natural environments.

The potency and breadth of its impacts indeed qualify climate change as an issue of crisis proportions.

The latest Assessment Report (AR4) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) is significant as it explicitly links critical ‘anthropogenic’ (man-made) factors towhat the Panel refers to as the “unequivocal… warming of the climate system.” In2010, a newer report released by the US National Oceanic and AtmosphericAdministration (NOAA) – showing data not available to the IPCC in 2007 – reaffirms, instronger terms and evidence, an era of consistent warming.

A “red” Southeast AsiaMapmakers of the Singapore-based group Economy and Environment Program for Southeast Asia (EEPSEA), using an IPCC assessment framework, produced a snapshotof a “red” Southeast Asia (link: http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12586674031Climate_Change_map_final.pdf [released in 2009]), where “red” sections of

the map means risk and vulnerability to climate change effects for each and every

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YPSEA 2010:Southeast Asia

Regional Conference

http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12586674031Climate_Change_map_final.pdf






corner of the region. This image, perhaps more than any written word on the issue,helped emphasize the status of Southeast Asia as a ‘climate hotspot.’

While the red image is neither unexpected nor particularly surprising – given thetopography of coastal countries and island regions and their susceptibility to shifting

coastlines and rising sea levels – the EEPSEA study is noteworthy for underscoring therelevance of adaptive capacity (defined as the “measure of local human resilience, andis a function of socio-economic factors such as income, literacy, life expectancy,poverty, and inequality, as well as of technology and infrastructure”) of countries andcommunities that affect vulnerability scores in relation to climate hazards.

A high adaptive capacity, the study states, can moderate the vulnerability score of regions that are susceptible to climate hazards. For countries with low adaptivecapacities, this spells the potential amplification of socio-economic burdens alreadyborne by poor families and sectors and additional pressure on the capacity of governments to finance safety-net budgets – such as those for healthcare, waterinfrastructures, retraining services for employment, disaster management, etc. – that

will be needed as more families succumb to climate-induced developmental challenges.For Southeast Asia, an ADB study on the ‘economics of climate change’ (2009) notes :“(the region) is one of the world’s most vulnerable regions to climate change, due to itslong coastlines, high concentration of population and economic activity in coastalareas, and heavy reliance on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and other naturalresources.”

The need for urgent actionGiven the global and regional climate context, two critical questions have been framedthus: what will we do about it, and how soon must our interventions be done to beeffective? These questions are addressed to state parties and governments as much asto ordinary citizens or citizens’ networks who can and should influence policies anddirections affecting them.

Globally, the shared goal of addressing "dangerous" human interference with theclimate system is expressed via the United Nations Framework Convention on ClimateChange (UNFCCC), which was opened for signature in 1992 and adhered to by 192countries by 2009. This non-mandatory treaty however needed further “updates” or“protocols” towards fleshing out what could be ‘more binding’ agreements.

The process of coming up with more binding international instruments is not an easyone, as reports of recent talks have shown. The latest of the UNFCCC talks – held inCopenhagen in 2009, also known as the 15th Session of the Conference of the Parties or

COP15 – was adjudged as chaotic, deadlocked and resulted in a controversial Accordwhich was severely criticized by many mainly for the “low level of ambition” of developed, industrialized countries, for technically “weakening” the Kyoto Protocol(considered the principal UNFCCC protocol) by reverting to a voluntary pledge-basedregime, for redefining support of developed to developing countries in conditionalterms, among others. The talks were also hit for being undemocratic and inadequate.

Clearly, while the climate agenda is recognized as urgent and important, serious‘binding’ action is not easy to fit together given the interests of individual countries andinterest groups. Climate activists take the debate even further and are pushing tomainstream discussions on the ‘ethical dimensions’ of climate change – through theconcept of ‘climate justice’ – anchored on the conviction that those most responsible

for climate change are not the same as those most vulnerable to its effects.

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ASEAN responses so far Among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) – the 10-member ‘club of governments’ in the region – broad and often considered sketchystatements may be surmised from their ‘joint statements’ so far on climate change.ASEAN cooperation on climate change is primarily guided by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural

Community (ASCC) Blueprint (Section D10 on Responding to Climate Change andAddressing Its Impacts), which calls for promoting “strategies to ensure that climatechange initiatives lead to economically vibrant and environment friendly ASEANCommunity taking into account win-win synergy between climate change and theeconomic development.” The actions called for in the Blueprint are being fleshed outthrough several other statements and agreements. Under the purview of ASEAN SeniorOfficials on Environment (ASOEN), an ASEAN Climate Change Initiative (ACCI) is beingdeveloped to provide a regional framework on cooperation and coordination of climatechange issues in ASEAN, and an ASEAN Working Group on Climate Change (AWGCC) tobe established as a mechanism to implement the ACCI.

The group’s “Statement on Joint Response to Climate Change” (April 2010) affirms the

UNFCC and vowed to "work together to secure a legally binding agreement” to limit theincrease in global temperature, but this has been criticized as being suggestive of acompromise to integrate the non-binding Copenhagen Accord into the UNFCCC process.

The statement at the close of the 28th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) isanother move considered most alarming by critics as it reaffirms the ASEANcommitment towards strengthening efforts “to address climate change and enhancingASEAN energy cooperation towards low-carbon and green economy,” but also talks of “efforts to strengthen gradually, on a voluntary and non-binding basis, regionalcapacity building in civilian nuclear energy power generation for regulators, operatorsand relevant educational institutions.”

Further, climate advocates critical of the ASEAN’s usual diplomatic language went asfar as saying that stronger action is needed as ASEAN could be also be considered asignificant emitter if deforestation is included, and that important regional issues – likeadaptation strategies, energy efficiency and technology cooperation and REDD(Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) – should be raisedwith the ASEAN no less than with ‘bigger Asia’ like China or India.

Among Southeast Asian peoples’ networks, a general concern with the ASEAN and itsresponses to climate change is that a small, select number of regional powers would tryto direct others in a top-down manner, rather than by norms of deliberation andcooperation, which would include far-reaching consultations with citizens’ groups.ASEAN leaders’ call for richer nations to provide them with "scaled-up" financial help to

combat climate change effects has also been suspected of being a case wheregovernments are ‘cashing in’ on the climate crisis instead of sorting out concrete andeffective interventions for the safety and welfare of their citizens. After all, theCopenhagen deal commits rich countries to paying out around 30 billion dollars in totalover the next three years and sets a potential figure of 100 billion dollars annually by2020 for climate change action.

Many questions There are indeed many and complex questions. Policy choices – sifted through multiplelayers of dialogues and negotiations – have ranged from mitigation to adaptationoptions. Mitigation options target the ‘slowing down’ of the man-made climate changeprocesses (lowering GHG levels) to avoid or at least delay many of its impacts. There

are those who agree on the call for more energy efficiency and ‘decarbonized’industries but are wary of pursuing the ‘losing battle of targeted CO2 emission cuts’

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and bat instead for more spending on adaptation. Adaptation options are premised onthe need to reduce the impacts of climate change and increase resilience. This caninclude shifts in farming practices and preferences, urban relocation and zoning, andultimately, making people and communities ‘armed and ready’ to face the extremechanges of the climate.

Engaging young peopleAs among the most vulnerable populations facing the real and potential effects of theclimate crisis, young people ought to play a crucial role in efforts to address it. Acrossthe world, it is generally accepted that any national or regional strategy addressingclimate change must include engaging young people as a critical element.

At a 2007 conference organized by the UN Department of Public Information (DPI) incollaboration with the NGO/DPI, on "Climate Change: How It Impacts Us All," youngpeople were recognized as “the next generation which inhabits the Earth and inheritsthe responsibility to protect the planet, in fighting the complex scientific problems andsocial quandaries presented by climate change.” Thus, education represents one of the

most effective tools for young people to combat the destructive potential of the climatecrisis and to cultivate an international understanding among them. This was echoed byUN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, in his message at the 2008 International YouthDay, said that young people who are adept at spreading new habits and technologiesare well placed to contribute to the fight against climate change, and that youngpeople “should therefore be given a chance to take an active part in the decision-making of local, national and global levels. They can actively support initiatives that willlead to the passage of far-reaching legislation."

Since COP15, young people have joined their voices and actions in demanding climate justice globally, and in demanding that their regions are not left behind. There havebeen many youth-driven, youth-run initiatives that aim to contribute to “galvanize amovement” addressing climate change. For Southeast Asia, given the incredible paceof the climate policy debate as well as the profound implications of domestic andregional discussions, the same need for information workshops and venues to discussclimate change among young people must urgently be met.

Workshop ObjectivesBuilding on the YPSEA national forums on climate change (5 countries), the regionalconference workshop will focus on the theme: “Understanding the Science of ClimateChange, its Impacts on Southeast Asia and Identifying the Role of Young Progressives.”

Specifically, this conference aims to:

• Level-off the participants on the understanding of the science and impacts of climate change on their respective countries and in the region as a whole

• Share the highlights and learnings from the YPSEA national forums on climatechange (5 countries);

• Clarify the main features of emerging policy agenda in the regional (ASEAN level)and the implications of these on national policy directions;

• Level-off on the role of progressive young people and progressive movements inbuilding a people-defined framework on climate change action;

• Continue and deepen the dialogue among young progressives and other

stakeholders – both at the regional and country levels – on climate changeissues

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• Identify potential climate change agenda with local governments

• Draft an YPSEA statement to register the voice of young progressives on theissue

• Propose youth agenda for the ASEAN processes (e.g., the ASEAN Climate ChangeCommission)

Target Groups The workshop will bring together 10-15 representatives of the member-organizations of YPSEA as well as local (Philippine) young people’s organizations and climate changeactivists. The first and the last days will be mainly organizational meetings that will belimited only to YPSEA members.

Date17-21 September 2010Venue

TBC, Philippines (outside Manila?)

LanguageDiscussions will be in English.

Expected results

- Elements of YPSEA Climate Change Agenda and Campaign Plan- Policy recommendations to the ASEAN official and CSO processes- YPSEA statement on climate change- YPSEA Network Plans 2010-2013

ExpensesFES will cover travel costs (economy airfare) of YPSEA members and invited guests and

resource persons, meals and accommodations for the duration of the conference, aswell as costs for visa (if needed). Participants should notify the organizers by e-mailregarding specific dietary restrictions. Other personal expenses such as hotel telephonebills, mini-bar, laundry services, are not covered. Please note that the hotel may ask fora credit card or cash deposit as a security for these costs.

Logistics and Organization:

Gus Cerdeña: [email protected] CoordinatorFriedrich Ebert Stiftung Philippine OfficeUnit 2601 Discovery Suites, Ortigas Center,Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Tel: +63 2 634 6919 Fax: +63 2 632 0697Mobile: +63 918 9405505

Cherry-Anne Matriz : [email protected] – YPSEA PilipinasMovement for the Advancement of Student Power (MASP)

Tel: +63 2 433-1734Mobile: +63 9184128622

Organizers

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mailto:[email protected]






YPSEA (Young Progressives Southeast Asia) is a network of young people’sorganizations – from social movement organizations, students’/ school-based groups,youth-run/ youth-servicing NGOs, civil society organizations, youth wings of democraticsocialist/ social democratic parties and community-based youth groups – dedicated to

promoting progressive politics and engaging in activism in Southeast Asia, andcommitted to the goal of improving, strengthening and sustaining the politicalparticipation of young people in their respective countries and at the regional level.

This work is being done with consideration to the larger framework of the varying levelsand shifting quality of democratization in the region. In its founding assembly in 2006,the network agreed to be bound by the following broad principles:

a. …that meaningful participation of young people is important in deepeningdemocracy in the Southeast Asian region;

b. … that respect for, recognition and promotion of human rights, fundamentalfreedoms, people empowerment, cultural diversity, transparency and

accountability in governance, and gender equality are essential to genuinedemocracy;

c. … that equality, social justice, just and equal redistribution of wealth, andsustainability should be the foundation of development;

d. …that solidarity strengthens peoples’ struggles, fosters regionalunderstanding, and promotes international cooperation and peace; and,

e. … that participatory processes and critical thinking in advancing democracy,equality and progressive politics.

To date, there are 15 member-organizations from Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor Leste and Philippines. The YPSEA since its inception has been acooperation partner of the FES, as it was in an FES-organized conference of youngpeople in 2004 that the idea of a Southeast Asian network on promoting genuinepolitical participation of young people came into fruition.

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) is a German non-profit, private, political andeducational foundation committed to the concepts and basic values of socialdemocracy. The FES promotes democracy and social justice within the context of national societies as well as international cooperation. Its projects give special focus on:

• Promoting socio-political dialogue between various groups, in the understanding

that peace and democracy can only prevail on the basis of sharing andcompromising;

• Empowering marginalized social sectors and groups to represent their interestsin areas of socio-economic and socio-political decision-making;

• Exchange programs and international cooperation to build awareness of globalinterdependence of states and societies and the need for multilateralism with fairparticipation.

The FES conducts and supports activities in more than 100 countries. While itsheadquarters is located in Bonn and Berlin, it maintains a network of branch offices insome 80 countries.

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(Draft) CONFERENCE PROGRAM As of 08 September 2010

TIME TOPIC / SESSION SESSIONOBJECTIVES

SPEAKER / FACILITATOR

DAY 01 (17 September)AM - Arrival of international participants and / local participants

- Travel to conference venue

12.00 –13.30

LUNCH BREAK

13.30 –13.45

Welcome and Opening Remarks Cherry-Anne Matriz, YPSEA-PhilippinesGus Cerdeña, FESPhilippines

13.45 –

14.30

Activity: “YPSEA Facebook: What’s your status?”

Introduction of participants and organizations, Conference Overview,Objective Setting, Leveling-off, Expectations Checking*Participants will be asked write their current status and their expectation/s onthe mock-up “YPSEA face book profile page.” If someone’s expectation is thesame as another, one just has to ‘like’ the posted status & expectation.*When everybody is done sharing their posts, the facilitator will show the profileinformation page of YPSEA showing the objectives of the 5-day regionalconference and the 5-day final conference program and will explain the overviewand rationale of the activity and the conference theme.

14.30 –15.00

Coffee Break

15.00 –15.30

Keynote Address"Challenges of Climate Change and WhatShould be the Agenda of the YoungProgressives in the Region”

Akbayan Rep. Arlene(Kaka) Bag-ao, 15thCongress of thePhilippines

15.30 –16.00

Coffee Break

16.00 –18.00

Country CaucusesRegional Caucus

18.00 –19.00

Dinner

19.00 –20.00

Special Cases showing the Impacts of Climate Change to your country(Report on the result of climate change national forum)*Speaker for the Session 1.1 will be invited to listen to the sharing / reporting.

20.00 –22.00

Welcome Campfire(Country Report: Updates on the National Situation)

DAY 02 (18 September)08.00 –08.30

Energizer & Recap

08.30 –09.30

Session 1.1:Understanding Climate

To provideparticipants an

Atty. Tony La Viña,Chairman of the REDD

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Change Issue – Itsmeaning, the IPCCReport, Effects andImpact to the Region

introduction on themeaning and science(main points of theIPCC report) of climate change. Thesession also intendsto focus on theeffects and actualimpacts of climatechange to the regionto divulge what is atstake on the issue of climate change.

negotiations at UNFCCCCOP, Dean of AteneoSchool of Governance &Philippine Delegate atUNFCCC COPConference

9.30 – 10.30 Session 1.2:

Understanding ClimateChange Issue – GlobalDebates about theClimate Changesituation

To provide an

overview on theglobal discussions,points of debatesabout climate change(i.e. global warmingvs. cooling;anthropogenic vs.“normal” climatechanges) to broadenparticipants’ analysison the issue of climate change.

Atty. Tony La Viña

10.30 –11.30

Fishbowl discussion with the speaker on (Session 1.1 and 1.2)Understanding Climate change issue

11.30 –13.30

Lunch Break

13.30 – 17.00 Teambuilding-workshop: IPCC (Island of Prisoners, Crisis and Catastrophe)

Challenge!

*Mechanics of the game / workshop will be discussed beforehand.

17.00 –17.30

Coffee Break

17.30 –18.30 Sharing-reflection

18.30 –20.00

Dinner

DAY 03 (19 September)08.30 –09.00

Energizer, Recap

09.00 –10.30

World Café*Group topics should be in line with the themeof the conference. Guide questions will be

provided beforehand.10.30 –

11.30

Input discussion on

Session 2.2 – Politics of Climate Change –

This session on the

‘Politics of ClimateChange - Meaning

Lidy Nacpil, International

Coordinator of JubileeSouth, Vice-President of

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Meaning and Issuesabout Climate Justice

and Issues aboutClimate Justice’aims to discloseand discourse themeaning andprinciples of climate justice tothe participantsand surface someof its main issuessuch as carbontrading, climateand trade, climatefinancing, climatedebt, and its

impacts as well, asit intend tochallenge theyoung progressivesto act on the keyissues of climatechange.

Freedom from DebtCoalition

11.30 –12.30

Fishbowl discussion with the speaker on Session 2.2 – Politics of ClimateChange – Meaning and Issues about Climate Justice

12.30 –13.30

Lunch

13.30 –15.30

Panel Forum on Session2.1: Politics of ClimateChange – Discussions atthe Global Level andRegional Level

This session aboutthe ‘Politics of Climate Change’seeks to tacklemain points andkey issues on thediscussions at theglobal and regional(Southeast Asia)level about climatechange bypresenting the

highlights andoutcomes of theclimate changeconference inCopenhagen,ASEAN levelmeetings anddeclarations aboutclimate change andthe current state of negotiations andmake the

participants be ableto understand its

ASEAN Climate ChangeOfficer

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meaning andimpact to theregion and to thefuture generation.

15.30 –16.00

Coffee Break

16.30 –17.30

Youth Initiatives on Climate Change andCOP15

Adrian Yeo Eng Kang -Malaysian Youth Climate Justice

Network

17.30 –19.00

1st part of YPSEA Network meeting To be chaired by RegionalCoordinator Top Nattawat

19.00 Dinner

DAY 04 (20 September)

09.00 –09.30 Energizer, Recap

09.30 –12.00

Session 2.3: (Fish Bowl)Politics of ClimateChange - Laws andPolicy-proposals relatedto Climate Change andits Implications

*The speakers will beasked to prepare a 30-minute presentation of

their topic-discussion.

To familiarize theparticipants onsome of the lawsand policy-proposals related toclimate change, itsloopholes andweaknesses,effectiveness and /or ineffectiveness

and its implicationsto the environmentand to thevulnerable groupsand sectors of thesociety.

Representative(Commissioner) fromPhilippine ClimateChange Commission

Isagani Serrano,President of PhilippineRural ReconstructionMovement (PRRM)

12.00 –13.00

Lunch Break

13.00 –14.30

Session 3.1:Looking Forward - GoodPractices on Climate

Change Advocacy:

An Introduction to thebasic facets of fair andeffective climate financein the Philippines and inSoutheast Asia

To share someideas, concepts andpractices on

addressing climatechange; to showconcrete actions asa response to theclimate crisis.

Red Constantino,Executive Director,Institute for Climate and

Sustainable Cities (ICSC)

14.30 –15.30

Global Emissions Trading: Is this a solutionto the climate challenge?

Berthold Leimbach, FES-Philippines ResidentRepresentative

15.30 –16.00

Coffee Break

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16.00 –16.30

Session 3.2: LookingForward - Challenges of Climate Crisis to youngprogressives

Climate globalyouth leader willshare and presentvia video thechallenges of climate crisis toyoung progressivesas she showsefforts and actionsbeing undertakenby the youthleaders at the otherside of the world tostress theimportance and

relevance of seriously engagingsuch advocacy andresponding on itcollectively at thenational, regionaland global level.

Esperanza Garcia,Director of GlobalWarming & ClimateChange Initiatives forthe International YouthCouncil, Filipino YouthDelegate to the UNFCCCCOP Conference,Founder of Philippine

Youth ClimateMovement

16.30 –18.00

Workshop: YPSEA Conference statement on Climate ChangeCaravan on “What issues and concerns related to climate change do weshare in common as young progressives?” How do these positions manifest in our principles and values?

• Democracy

• Equality and Social Justice• International Solidarity & Regional Cooperation

• Progressive Politics

18.00 –19.00

Meeting of the Drafting Committee to finalize and furnish the YPSEAStatement on Climate Change

19.00 Solidarity NightDAY 05 (21 September): Organizational Meeting (YPSEA Members only)08.30 –09.00

Energizer and Recap

09.00 –11.00 Input Discussion onSession 2.1: Politics of Climate Change –Discussions at the GlobalLevel and Regional Level

This session aboutthe ‘Politics of Climate Change’seeks to tacklemain points andkey issues on thediscussions at theglobal and regional(Southeast Asia)level about climatechange bypresenting the

highlights andoutcomes of the

Atty. Zelda Soriano,ASEAN Political Adviserof GreenpeaceSoutheast Asia

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climate changeconference inCopenhagen,ASEAN levelmeetings anddeclarations aboutclimate change andthe current state of negotiations andmake theparticipants be ableto understand itsmeaning andimpact to theregion and to the

future generation.11.00 –12.00

Fishbowl Discussion

12.00 –13.30

Lunch Break

13.30 –14.30

Election of Executive Committee and RegionalCoordinator

Machris Cabreros / GusCerdeña

14.30 –17.00

(2nd part) YPSEA Network Meeting*Agenda and program to be finalized by the YPSEAregional ExeComm

To be chaired by thenew RegionalCoordinator and theRegional ExecutiveCommittee Members

17.00 Closing Remarks New YPSEA RegionalCoordinator

Departure of Local Participants

September 22, 2010AM - Departure of International Participants

Facilitators: Ninian Sumadia (MASP), Alvin Quintans (SCAP), Adonis Elumbre (Akbayan Youth)Documenters: Jan Dacumos and Helen Paulino

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YPSEA 2010 Climate Change Conf Concept and Program - Draft as of 8 Sept 2010-1

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