Helen Clark's Diary, 11 November
COP27
“NO MORE TIME TO POSTPONE”
“Annual UN Climate Change Conference COP27 began on Sunday 7 November. Antonio Guterres calls for stepped up political will, rebuilding North/South trust, and for high-income countries to make good on climate finance commitments. He says it's time to address loss and damage.” See CBS Pamela Falk's tweet to view Antonio Guterres’ message.
THE LATEST HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION REPORT
Safer cities by design
“Urban design can help make our cities safer: see latest report by The Helen Clark Foundation. It stresses importance of inclusive design based on engagement across communities to address all perspectives on what helps to ensure greater safety. Thanks Wsp NZ for support.”
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SPEECH
Why mining’s good governance is a critical element of the energy transition
“I spoke at International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney last week as Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Board Chair on importance of good governance in minerals sector as demand ramps up with energy transition. Supply at pace and scale required brings with it corruption and other risks which can be mitigated.”
Featured article
Former NZ prime minister Clark sounds alarm on green metals rush
“Former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark said the mining sector must move to strengthen corporate governance as the scramble for battery metals to secure clean energy resources spills over into mineral rich emerging markets across Africa and Asia.” Check out this article by Financial Review’s Tom Richardson, Markets reporter and commentator.
current issues
These are some of the issues on my recent Twitter feed:
GLOBAL
World leaders posing for a photo at the COP27 in Egypt
“Yet another shocking reminder of how few women are Heads of State and Government - see this COP27 “family photo.”
COVID19 vaccine inequality
“The shameful outcome of COVID19 vaccine inequity: “More than 1 million lives might have been saved if COVID19 vaccines had been shared more equitably with lower-income countries in 2021 according to mathematical models incorporating data from 152 countries.” Check out this article in Nature.
Fighting in Democratic Republic of Congo
“Very concerning to see stepped up fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo with more areas falling to M23 militia. Area is rich in minerals: that plus weak governance and institutions are contributing factors to ongoing instability hindering development.” BBC has more on this.
At IMARC in Sydney
“Pleased to put case for Australia joining Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to Madeleine King, Minister for Resources, at International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Sydney. Australian leadership on good governance in extractives is vital. Energy Transition makes transparency in extractives globally more important than ever.”
Truce between Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels
“Talks in South Africa between representatives of Tigray and Ethiopian central government have resulted in a truce. Early days, but this could bring relief to war-torn region where several hundred people are reported to have died and food and medicine are scarce. Question is what warring parties not at talks will do now. Eritrean forces are still in Tigray and other militia from Amhara have been involved. All parties need to cease conflict.” The Guardian and BBC have more on this.
“Tigray needs immediate humanitarian relief. There is a hunger crisis & people are without access to basic medicines. International agencies are ready to deliver. All barriers to access must be removed now.” Check out this article in The Guardian.
Conflict in Somalia
“Cycle of death and destruction continues in Somalia taking many lives. Shocking terrorist attacks in Mogadishu at the beginning of the month killed dozens of people and injured many. Ongoing conflict plights country's prospects and ability to address serious challenges like severe food insecurity.”
The photo shows journalist, Mohamed Kona, who recently lost both parents and his brother. He himself was one of the dozens killed in Mogadishu twin blasts on 29 October.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva wins election in Brazil
“Lula prevails in tight election in Brazil: a positive outcome for sustainable development of the Amazon, climate action, tackling multidimensional poverty and more. Congratulations, Lula!” The Guardian has more.
NEW ZEALAND
Climate action in NZ
“New Zealand’s climate action has been thwarted for years by a stop-go syndrome. One party in government or minister advances; the next regresses. Essentially there's still not a cross-party consensus on the need to act decisively as Stuff story confirms. Disappointing.”
New Zealand government removes abortion barriers
“New Zealand continues to improve access to safe abortion: medical abortion pills can now be accessed by phone. Important to guarantee access to full range of sexual and reproductive health and rights.” Visit The Guardian to find out more.
Check out my Twitter page for more information and links on these and more issues.
MORE NEWS FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION
Can urban design help create safer cities?
Did you catch Wsp NZ fellow Anne Cunningham on the radio this morning talking about our latest report into making urban areas safer?
VIDEO RECORDING: Preventing the Next Pandemic
Did you miss our webinar co-hosted with Wsp Nz about preventing the next pandemic on 31st October? Catch up below Our Patron, Helen Clark discussed the findings of the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.
Lawful but Awful: What to do about Harmful Online Content?
Everyone agrees that social media platforms got too big, too fast, and accepted too little responsibility. How can we practically set regulations for social media companies that operate at such scale? Check out our recent publication on the subject of harmful online content.
Why not join The Helen Clark Foundation and have your say on issues we support.