INFORMATION NOTE

The United Nations University (UNU) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) have launched an annual series of seminars and workshops to provide delegates in New York with skills and understanding of issues related to sustainable development, in particular the linkages between policy and practice.

OBJECTIVES AND ORGANIZATION OF SESSION III

To review the policy dimensions of the Climate Change debate as it relates to the agenda of the Fourth Conference of Parties (COP4). The seminar will consist of lectures and analytical discussions focusing on the following questions: a) What was achieved and what was left undone in Kyoto? b) What developments have taken place since then, in terms of negotiations, group positions and (dis)agreements? c) What are a some possible scenarios for Buenos Aires, and beyond? What can one expect to be achieved? What are the main issues that could be negotiated?

Resource persons will speak from their direct analysis of current events, their involvement in Kyoto, and on-going research in the area. Some information on existing capacity building programmes offered by UNU and UNITAR (CC:TRAIN) will also be provided.

PARTICIPANTS

This seminar is designed mainly for those members of permanent missions in New York dealing with the Second Committee, as well as those specifically dealing with the Climate Change Convention. UNU and UNITAR reserve the right to make a selection among the candidates, if necessary. Priority will be given to those participants having participated in Session I and II of the UNU/UNITAR Series, as well as participants from developing countries. The selected candidates are requested to regard their participation as a firm commitment.

RESOURCE PERSONS

The seminar will be coordinated by UNU and UNITAR. The resource persons are: Dr. Jerry Velasquez, Project Coordinator for the UNU HQ/GEIC/IAS project on "Future Scenarios on Global Climate Governance"; Mr. Bradnee Chambers, UNU/IAS, Research Associate and key person at IAS for the above mentioned project and Ms. Laura Campbell UNU/GEIC coordinator of the project at GEIC. All three resource persons are experienced in conducting training and debriefing sessions on climate change policy issues.

WORKING LANGUAGES

The seminar will be conducted in English.

DATE AND VENUE

The seminar will be held at the Conference Room 9 in the United Nations Headquarters in New York, on 14 October 1998, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 6 p.m.

REGISTRATION

Members of the permanent missions accredited to the United Nations in New York and other interested groups who wish to participate in this seminar are requested to complete the attached registration form and return it to the following address:

UNITAR (Attn.: Ms. Humaira Kamal)

1 United Nations Plaza, Suite DC1-603

New York, NY 10017