Introduction

“I want COP26 to be the most inclusive COP ever.”

Alok Sharma MP COP26 President

Since 2019, conversations with business leaders across different sectors have revealed that Glasgow will be their first time attending a Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP).

Most were unsure what to expect, with some assuming it would resemble a twelve-day Conservative Party Conference or a Scottish Davos.

The initial postponement of the summit due to the pandemic has also cast doubt on the conference this year. However, the Cabinet Office is currently planning for a physical event, with the prospect of a hybrid event remaining on the cards.

Therefore, the Cicero/AMO team has produced a COP26 primer on what to expect and how to get involved.

Planning is at a preliminary stage and current focus is on getting organisations to sign up to the Government’s Race to Zero Breakthroughs, which is essentially the ‘golden ticket’ for showcasing your organisation’s commitment to COP26.

Official accreditation as an observer is needed to access the Blue Zone of the COP, which hosts the negotiations and is managed by the UNFCCC. The Green Zone, on the other hand, is a space open to the public, for which there will be public access permitted through a registration process.

The COP26 team is currently seeking proposals for business involvement via an ‘Expression of Interest’ process that runs until 5th March 2021. Organisations will be informed as to the outcome of their proposal in May 2021. For eligibility criteria and to apply, please click here.

This Cicero/AMO primer breakdowns the UN terminology, explains the difference between the Blue Zone and Green Zone, and introduces you to relevant stakeholders and dates for your diary.

Get in touch...

Tom Wilkins

Director - UK Public Affairs tom.wilkins@cicero-group.com

Sophie Duley

Account Executive sophie.duley@cicero-group.com