Euroclima Annual Meeting
Location: Antigua, Guatemala
Dates: 5 - 7 of March 2024
Co-hosted by the EUROCLIMA Program and the Government of Guatemala
Background and Objectives:
The Euroclima Annual Meeting in Antigua, Guatemala, stands as a pivotal congregation of key stakeholders in the environmental and climate change sectors, particularly focusing on the Euroclima Programme. This meeting is a critical platform for discussions, sharing insights, and fostering collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds, including government officials, environmental experts, and representatives from various organizations involved in climate action and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
The primary objectives of the meeting are to:
- Review the progress and achievements of the Euroclima Programme.
- Present and discuss the current context and future prospects of the programme in alignment with the Global Gateway Agenda.
- Facilitate thematic group discussions to explore innovative solutions and strategies in areas such as sustainable energy, transport, biodiversity, and green investments.
- Draft and approve strategic documents such as the Way Forward and ACTA, setting the course for future actions.
Agenda Overview:
Day 1 The first day of the Annual Event (Tuesday 5 March) begins with a warm welcome, followed by an institutional opening that will set the tone of the meeting. This will be followed by the context session where we will be able to discuss and analyse the challenges of the Latin American and Caribbean region facing the triple planetary crisis on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Pollution. This will be followed by a presentation of the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Investment Agenda. There will also be a brief presentation of some of the results of the programme, as well as success stories. The day will end with a meeting of the national focal points and EU (European Union) delegations, complemented by a dinner and an artistic presentation.
Day 2 The second day (Wednesday 6 March) starts with a summary of the previous day, and after a brief presentation of the draft Way Forward document we will have time to start analysing and discussing the role of private business and finance in the fight against climate change. A series of thematic working groups with presentations and discussions will take place later in the day. The aim is to exchange ideas and make recommendations on how Euroclima can best contribute to improving investments in several key sectors that are highly relevant to achieving environmental or climate objectives. The day will conclude with a session on the role of Euroclima and its partners in the run-up to the COP16 on Biodiversity, followed by a photo and video exhibition at the training centre.
Day 3 The final day (Thursday 7) focuses on the presentation of the results of the working groups. The morning session includes presentations and final reflections on the Way Forward and ACTA documents. The afternoon is devoted to the Programme Steering Committee, where the final approval of the key documents will take place. The meeting concludes with a closing ceremony, summarising achievements and outlining future directions.
This meeting is an essential juncture for aligning efforts, sharing best practices, and forging partnerships to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development in LAC. The outcomes of this meeting are expected to significantly influence the strategic direction of the Euroclima Programme and contribute to broader global efforts in tackling climate change.
Throughout the meeting, breaks and informal gatherings, including cultural presentations and dinners, offer invaluable opportunities for networking, fostering a sense of community among participants. These moments are as crucial as the formal sessions, providing a relaxed atmosphere for spontaneous discussions and relationship-building.
The Euroclima Annual Meeting is more than just a series of discussions – it is a catalyst for action, a breeding ground for ideas, and a testament to the power of collaborative effort in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.