Get Ready for COP26: Register to engage globally on virtual platforms

The United Kingdom will host the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow, UK, from 31 October – 12 November 2021.

There are many possibilities to join in the conversation by taking part virtually! Many events will be accessible through online streaming services and on virtual platforms. These include the events in which IFLA will be taking part and sharing a library perspective.

Why follow COP26 Events?

The events happening alongside the UN Climate Change Conference offer a wealth of information and inspiration.

Identifying topics that are of interest and participating virtually (when possible) is a great way to help library voices join the conversation.

Take action!

Either register yourself or encourage others in your community to take part. This could be especially of interest to young people and those with a passion for climate justice.

If you see something relevant for your library’s community, or related to the work that you are doing, share it on social media!

• COP26 tags: @COP26, #COP26, #TogetherForOurPlanet
• Climate Heritage tags: @ClimateHeritage, #ClimateHeritage 

Green Zone Events

The COP26 Green Zone is open and accessible to all. This zone brings together youth groups, civil society organisations, researchers, artists, and more from around the world to host events, exhibitions, cultural performances, workshops and talks.

IFLA will be taking part in the event, “Running the Race to Resilience Together: Communities Tapping Their Shared Cultures and Heritage for Climate Action” on 8 November.

Check out the full programme of events for all the opportunities to learn, listen, experience, and celebrate climate action.

Mark your calendars – you can join all the events virtually by  subscribing to the COP26 YouTube channel.

Events of interest may include:

• An Inter-generational Conversation Among Women and Youth in the Climate Change & Agriculture Arena – 1 November
• What Does Meaningful Youth Leadership Look Like? – 5 November
• Ancient Knowledge and Modern Thinking: Climate Perspectives in Folk Art – 7 November
• Disability, Resilience and Inclusion in our Cities – inclusive design and community-led urban solutions for disability-inclusive climate resilience – 11 November
• How buildings will play a role in fighting climate change. The right decision today, means a better tomorrow – 11 November

The Resilience Hub

The Resilience Hub is a physical and virtual space at COP26 and home to the Race to Resilience. It offers an immersive programme for both in-person and virtual attendees who are passionate about taking bold climate action.

The Race to Resilience is a global campaign that seeks to build climate resilience by increasing and refocusing global ambition, putting people and nature first. It prioritises partnerships towards this goal, and the Climate Heritage Network (of which IFLA is a founding member) is leading an initiative to include culture as a key to resilience.

Join Climate Heritage Network and IFLA at the Resilience Hub on 2 November for: “A Culture of Resilience: Launch of the Climate Heritage Network Race to Resilience Campaign”.

Register for access to the full programme of over 100 events and activities and networking opportunities during COP26: The Resilience Hub – Register

Other events of interest may include:

• Culture Pathway to climate resilience and sustainable development – 5 November
• Don’t We Deserve Better? Youth voices on building back better – 5 November
• Covering climate change: strategies for news media – 5 November
• ‘Stories from the frontline: Nature-based Solutions delivering for people, climate and nature’ – 6 November
• Indigenous knowledge for climate resilience – 8 November
• How do We Build Inclusive Resilience – A Global Conversation – 8 November
• Centering Community and Indigenous Voices in Effective Climate Action – 8 November
• Exploring the potential for arts, culture and heritage to tackle gender and diversity in climate resilience and adaptation – 9 November

See the full programme of events.

EU Side Events

The European Union is also providing space to provide a space for discussion and dialogue, for launching new initiatives and celebrating inspirational stories and successes.

For COP26, the EU Pavilion will feature both in-person and digital side events. For those in the EU (or others that are interested) you can register to access the virtual platform here: COP26 European Union Side Events.

IFLA will participate alongside Climate Heritage Network and other organisations in the event: “Powering climate action through heritage policies, organisations, research and public programmes” – 11 November.

Other events of interest may include:

• Addressing climate change impacts on cultural and natural heritage – 2 November
• Nature for Climate & Biodiversity in Cities: entrepreneurship, co-creation and engagement – 3 November
• Ensuring a just and people-centred transition – 5 November
• Race to Zero: Transforming cities through data, research and art – 9 November
• How Education can support transition towards a climate neutral society? – 11 November
• Strengthening indigenous resilience: Ecosystem restoration and the role of traditional knowledge – 11 November

See the full programme of events.

Contact us with questions: claire.mcguire@ifla.org