9 November 2014: The social preparatory meeting to the 20th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 20) to the UNFCCC – or Social PreCOP – comprised a two-day gathering of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social movements, a social and ministerial dialogue, and a ministerial segment. The Social PreCOP was held under the theme ‘Changing the System Not the Climate’ and hosted by Government of Venezuela.

Meeting from 4-7 November 2014, on Margarita Island, Venezuela, the Social PreCOP aimed to “establish practical, viable and inclusive solutions for all the peoples and nationalities of the world, within the framework of respect for nature, future generations and human rights” and “articulate possible solutions to change the system and not the climate.”

The event saw the participation of NGOs and social movements from 45 countries, which, from 4-5 November, took part in debating and drafting a Chair’s summary, which was then presented to, and discussed with, ministers during a roundtable dialogue session held on 6 November.

The Chair’s summary document (PRECOP.SOCIAL.2014/ORGSOC/FINAL), which summarizes key messages perceived as having received consensus during the NGOs’ and social movements’ gathering, includes a preamble and sections on: effective social participation; sustainable systems and just transition; youth, intergenerational equity, gender and indigenous peoples; education, training and raising of awareness; principles and commitments; carbon markets and other challenged mechanisms; and perspectives for the 2015 agreement.

The preamble calls on governments to institutionalize and maintain the Social PreCOP space within the Convention “as an essential space to bring together governments and peoples in the struggle against climate change.” On perspectives for the 2015 agreement, the document notes the need to, inter alia: agree to a global emissions budget; incorporate the principles of the Convention; include a compliance mechanism; ensure a balance between adaptation and mitigation; and view intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) within the context of the new agreement. The document also affirms that all obligations of developed countries should be legally binding in the new agreement. It further notes that some points, including ways to continue the process, are still being debated by the civil society participants.

The social and ministerial dialogue, held on 6 November, was moderated by Venezuela’s Deputy Minister of Economic Cooperation and High Commissioner for Climate Change Claudia Salerno and Peru’s Minister of Environment and incoming COP 20 President Manuel Pulgar-Vidal.

During the ministerial sessions, calls were made to expand and ensure the continuity of the participation of NGOs and movements in the intergovernmental negotiating process on climate change. [Social PreCOP Website] [Key Messages for COP 20 and Ministers Meeting at the 2014 Social PreCOP] [Social PreCOP Press Release (in Spanish)]