What is the Climate Action Hub?
The Climate Action Hub showcases the wonderful work being done around the world in local governments, the private sector and civil society. First launched at COP24 in Katowice back in 2018, it is held in the main venue of each UN global climate change conference (COP, which stands for Conference of the Parties), and is organised by the UN Climate Change secretariat (that’s us!).
So, what happens there?
Glad you asked. While the rest of the COP is dominated by Party negotiations (i.e. countries who have ratified climate treaties such as the Paris Agreement), the Action Hub is a place for non-Party Stakeholders (i.e. everyone else) to showcase their efforts in tackling the climate crisis. Last year saw everyone from billionaire investors to polar explorers to athletes, musicians, actors, entrepreneurs, scientists and activists, all highlighting their own climate actions. It’s a space to share, network, engage and learn: a transparent, participatory space that is always one of the highlights of the COP. Expect everything from interviews and talk-shows to technology demonstrations, awards events, interactive fun and games. It is at the core of the Action Hub to host events that are markedly different in format and content, and which give a voice to all, including the audience. If you are sitting in the audience, be prepared to be quizzed and polled! And if you are on stage, be ready to take your audience’s questions!
When is the Action Hub taking place?
The Action Hub takes place during COP27 and will be hosting events from Tuesday 8 November until Thursday 17 November (excluding Sunday 13 November, when everyone will be taking a much-needed break). Events will be held from 10am to 6pm, starting on the hour and lasting a maximum of 40 minutes.
Sounds great! How do I apply?
You fill out the application here. Each organisation can enter up to two different applications. You have until 20 July at midnight CEST to submit your entry – any submitted after this time won’t be accepted. Before you apply, make sure you read the application guidelines, as they clearly define eligibility criteria.
What happens then?
After all applications have been reviewed and the selection of events has been completed, the full schedule will be worked on. Once final, the programme will be posted on the UNFCCC website ahead of the start of the conference. Additionally, all Action Hub events will be listed in the conference daily programme and announced throughout the conference on CCTV screens.
Can I reserve seats?
No – Action Hub events are open to everyone present at COP, and streamed online for those who follow remotely. Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you want a seat, make sure to get there early.
What if I can’t make it to Egypt?
Never fear! All events held at the Action Hub are live streamed on the UNFCCC webcast page, and the videos files of events are later made available on-demand and are even downloadable.