Climate conferences are crucial in shaping global climate policy, fostering collaboration, and driving ambition. However, the environmental impact associated with convening large international gatherings is a well acknowledged challenge. As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, it’s imperative that these gatherings exemplify the very principles they advocate.
The Global NDC Conference recognizes this responsibility, as noted in a previous blog post. Building upon our commitment to sustainability, we are implementing measures to minimize the environmental impact of the event. This includes adhering to the three R’s principle—reduce, reuse, recycle—compensating emissions, and raising overall awareness about the importance of sustainability.
Through our Sustainability Action Plan, we cover areas of procurement, catering, waste management, mobility and other.
What process are we following? Here some examples:
- The goal is making the conference as sustainable as possible. Communicating about our goal is, therefore, a vital part.
- A Sustainability Action Plan was drafted and updated. Key elements of the Sustainability Action Plan are included in our communication pipelines with participants (e.g., website, FAQ, logistics notes).
- Well-being, mental health and physical leisure are considered across the conference planning.
- Impact monitoring is essential after the conference (e.g., post-event survey, capture participant’s feedback, and document acquisitions).
- Rent before buying, plan for conferences ahead (e.g., neutral, and timeless visual identity), and choose sustainable options (e.g., plenary backdrop, roll-ups, lanyards, etc.).
- No event goodies or merch. Material that is purchased is designed / thought to be reused (e.g., upcycle of backdrops).
- Consider regional suppliers, with sustainability certifications.
• Food and drinks are regional and seasonal, where possible, and come from organic production.
• Catering financed by GIZ is vegetarian or vegan according to company regulations.
• Quantities are calculated according to dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian) which are captured in registration form.
- Tap water is offered in carafes and water dispensers by the venue.
- No plastic bottles are provided on the venue.
- The conference will be as paperless as possible (e.g., digital signs/posters, knowledge products accessible via QR codes).
- Conference banners are reused from prior conferences. If new ones are created, they are designed that they can be reused at the next conference.
- Reusable badge lanyards are provided and return boxes are set up.
- Participants are provided with information on Mobility Apps, Tickets, CO2 comparison before and at the conference in the logistics note and FAQ.
- Public transport routes are communicated beforehand and at the venue.
- Events outside the venue are thought as close to the main venue as possible. Shuttle buses are organized for group events.
- We encourage participants to link their participation to our conference to other climate conferences happening in Europe.
- CO2 emissions are compensated.
By prioritizing sustainability, climate conferences can lead by example, demonstrating that ambitious climate action is achievable and practical. It’s not just about the policies discussed but also about embodying the change we wish to see. As we convene for the Global NDC Conference 2025, we invite all participants to join us in this commitment, ensuring that our collective actions align with our shared vision for a sustainable future.
Learn more in our Frequently Asked Questions.
