In 2011 the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, launched the first pillar of Momentum for Change.

The launch of the Momentum for Change Initiative was held on the evening of 6 December 2011, in one of the plenary halls of the venue of the 17th Conference of the Parties and 7th Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP 17/CMP 7) in Durban, South Africa.

The plenary, with a capacity of 1400 audience members, was open to all registered members of the conference, including country delegates, NGO, IGO and youth group observers, as well as special invited guests and representatives of the private sector.

A large group of media and interested audience members gathered to witness the launch and hear the introductory speeches of special guests, Mr. Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, H.E. Mr. Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa, Ms. Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, President of COP 17/CMP 7 and Ms. Christiana Figueres, UNFCCC Executive Secretary.

A total of 28 representatives of 10 projects from around the world, discussed their projects with the event moderator, Lord Nicholas Stern, and shared their lessons and experiences with the audience.

The event was a great success with audience members and project participants alike, providing positive feedback on the experience, inspirations and lessons learnt from the launch.

Momentum for Change (Part 2)