In early December, H.E.L.P.’s program team traveled from Samagaun village, high in the Himalayas to the deserts of Dubai for COP 28, 2023. After adapting to the scorching heat (a steep change from Samagaun where it was – 7 C at night!), the team set out for Dubai Expo 2020, UNFCCC/COP 28 venue.
As 2023 UNDP Equator Prize winners, H.E.L.P’s members (originally from Tergar Charity Nepal) attended various events: Margot Clavier, H.E.L.P.’s Director, presented at the “Using innovation for sustainable development in Nepal” forum, an event organized by UNDP Nepal. Pasang Norbu Lama and Tsering Yangzom, H.E.L.P’s Program Managers were invited to speak at the “Scaling up inclusive climate action through private sector engagement in agriculture and land use” forum, organized by FAO and UNDP, and “Rights-based, bottom-up and collaborative solutions for nature and climate,” also organized by UNDP. Margot and Norbu delivered the keynote speech at the first event. The last event broadcasted the short film produced for Tergar Charity Nepal’s UNDP Equator Prize.
Attending COP 28 was a great opportunity to learn and connect with the big picture of H.E.L.P’s action on the ground and share our experiences /stories with others from around the world. It also provided a great opportunity for networking with other grassroots organizations, local communities and indigenous leaders, members of the Nature Positive Delegation from Brazil, Kenya and Papua New Guinea, and with government representatives, institutional and private donors and more.
It was an intense time for learning and bonding. It was also an opportunity for our team to reflect and renew our commitment to fighting climate change in the Himalayas and helping communities adapt and protect their environments. The experience was eye opening for all. We experienced how a big international conference operates, and what works and doesn’t work in regard to negotiating and bringing about effective climate action for the future of our planet and children.
