Connecting for Green Action

Bob Hale; Gloria Polanco; Millie Spencer

Join Co-Convenors Bob Hale and Gloria Polanco for the official opening session of Connecting for Green Action

Apsara Sabaratnam; Min-Hui Law; Alex Breskin; Vladislav Fedorov

If we are to build mass and inclusive movements for change, it is incumbent on us to create safe spaces where culturally diverse people feel they are insiders who are visible and have a voice. In this Cultural Inclusion Workshop we will be examining the challenges and practices of increasingly culturally diverse political and activist organisations, in-order to reflect on how we can create inclusive spaces that foster greater levels of volunteer, member and staff satisfaction, commitment, wellbeing and participation. This will involve the use of case studies to explore what this can look like, thus enabling you to hone your skills to transform your activist space or organisation into a culturally diverse and inclusive space where volunteers or employees can thrive.

Christine Milne; Virginia Young; Tim Christophersen; Eugene Simonov; Peg Putt; Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng

2022 is the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the United Tasmania Group, the world’s first Green Party formed to try to stop the inundation of Lake Pedder for Hydro power. As we begin the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the campaign to restore Lake Pedder is gathering momentum and is another example of Greens leadership. 50 years ago, in the fight to stop the flooding of Lake Pedder, we led the world by recognising the need for politics to incorporate the environment as a central consideration and now we lead again by recognising the centrality of ecosystem restoration to addressing global warming and biodiversity collapse. It is not a case of either renewable energy or biodiversity, it has to be both. Green Parties around the world have an opportunity to promote ecosystem restoration in their jurisdictions and in so doing address the trap that is net carbon zero. We have to keep fossil carbon in the ground and maintain the carbon stores in ecosystems not trade them off. UNFCCC and IPBES now recognise they need to work together because addressing climate and biodiversity are two sides of same coin. GG can be at the forefront of this thinking in UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and in critical Decade on Climate. Ecology is central to Green politics and brings us back to the Earth our home and the need for a political party with global reach to work together to deliver a liveable future. Lake Pedder is the catalyst and metaphor for this change Lake Pedder is the beacon of hope that we can restore the planet and that Greens are at the heart of integrated solutions to protect Nature. It is a perfect showcase for the GG Conference celebrating where we have come from and positioning us as leaders addressing climate and biodiversity crises in 21st Century, addressing Climate justice and incorporating rights and knowledge of First peoples in Earth repair. It is a unifying theme for Green parties globally. The session will include a key note speech from Christine Milne on the place of Lake Pedder in Green history and the relevance of its restoration in addressing current issues, followed by Tim Christopherson from UNEP discussing the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and how the Greens might engage and then there will be a panel discussion relating to the need for an integrated approach to the biodiversity and climate crises. Panellist are Virginia Young to discuss the fundamental flaw of offsetting geo carbon emissions with biocarbon, Peg Putt to discuss the consequences of biomass being regarded as climate friendly and Eugene Simonov to outline the climate and biodiversity problems with hydro dams and especially the use of hydro for hydrogen. The session will conclude with proposals for Green Parties in addressing these issues.

Michelle Sheather; Beatrice Ludwig; Devinder Sharma; Beekay Shrestha; Zach Weiss; Pete Dowson; Giz Watson; Diane Evers

The rise of Industrial Agriculture since WWII, has driven the mass conversion of diverse farmland into mono-crops and overgrazed paddocks, accompanied by an increasing dependence on chemical sprays and synthetic fertilisers. This extractive approach has accelerated severe soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity across the globe. Regenerative Agriculture is a catchall term that refers to a broad range of organic farming practices that promote healthy soils, crops, and animals, which in turn leads to healthy food and people. Popular methods include holistic grazing, agroforestry, permaculture, syntropic farming, natural sequence farming, and agro-ecology. Regenerative Agriculture is also considered by the United Nations as one of the best ‘Nature-Based Solutions’ for climate recovery. There are significant barriers to the uptake of Regenerative Agriculture, the foremost being entrenched vested interests in the monolithic agrichemical lobby and captured government authorities. By promoting Regenerative Agriculture and supporting more farmers in transition, and especially in choosing organic regenerative produce, we can all play a part in overcoming these challenges to make a better, fairer food future.

Hon James Shaw; Hon Marama Davidson; Shane Rattenbury MLA; Rebecca Vassarotti MLA

Across a number of countries, Greens parties are increasingly seeing electoral success. With growing numbers of Greens parties at a national and sub national level, we are building our experience and understanding of key issues and ingredients for success, allowing us to pragmatically progress Greens initiatives and support the Greens political leadership. Whilst it has been a lengthy and very challenging journey to Parliament for both the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Australian Greens, both parties have witnessed the reward that comes with persistence. There are many lessons that we’d like to pass onto our worldwide counterparts. In a skill-share session, the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Australian Greens, will unpack the dynamics of power sharing arrangements in Government. Hear from current Members of Parliament on their learnings and experience of power sharing, and explore ways we as Greens can support each other into the future. The session will be interactive and participants from power sharing parties will be invited to contribute to the conversation.

Jan Logie, MP; Stephanie Love; Miriam Ross; Daniel Jackson; Dr. Elizabeth Kerekere

Globally there is a concern with increasing gender diversity in political leadership. Although there have been some high-profile gains in recent years, with certain governments and political parties increasing female participation, the global average of women in national assemblies is 24.9 percent. The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand currently has 7 female MPs and 3 male MPs and its two ministerial positions are split across the male and female co-leaders. This builds upon the 2017 general election when 6 female MPs and 2 male MPs were voted in as well as previous strong female leadership across the Party. This panel will discuss how the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand has reached strong levels of female leadership, and the opportunities and challenges for sustaining strength in this area moving forward. Of equal importance, this panel will consider recent discussions in the party to provide capacity for more diverse gender leadership, particularly allowing non-binary and intersex members to run for high-level leadership positions such as Co-leader and Co-convenor. In this way, robust discussion will take place around how to uphold gender diversity in political leadership as well as specific insights into mechanisms and process that might be useful for other parties to implement or adapt.

Scott Ludlam; Marinel Ubaldo; Hon. Martin Ogindo; Varsha Gandikota; Julian Aguon

The Greens are unique - we are not just a network of political parties, but a global movement pushing for a more just and sustainable future. However, we have not yet met our potential as an internationally recognised body with global impact. This session will discuss how the Global Greens can increase its political impact across the world to create the future we need.

Senator Janet Rice; Leon Dulce; Jeremy Liyanage; Andrew Morrison

The impact of transnational mining companies on the communities and countries in which they operate is well understood, but combating these companies takes many forms. In this panel event from the Australian Greens Global Issues Group, particpants will hear about the work that is being done in the Asia Pacific region. Sentaor Janet Rice, Leon Dulce, and Jeremey Liyanage, will share their experiences of working on anti-mining campaigns, and will highlight the value of activists and Greens working together. Additionally, the panelists will explore the power of community activism, and will discuss the developing collaborative campaigns in the Asia Pacific. Through conversation panelists will unpack the skills required to amplify the concerns of communities most affected by transnational mining companies, especially First Nations communities and developing collaborative campaigns in the Asia Pacific.

Ikuko Hebiishi; Tachibana Tamiyoshi; Ayako Oga; Tetsunari Iida; Jim Green

Even if nuclear power emits little CO2, this method of power generation is dirty, dangerous, and harmful to the planet. As part of the eager struggle against climate crisis, we must phase out the nuclear power generation. Hear from Ikuko Hebiishi (councilor of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture), Tamiyoshi Tachibana (producer of the movie “SEAL OF THE SUN”), Ayako Oga (former Fukushima resident who experienced the evacuation and the following hard life), and Tetsunari Iida (expert of nuclear power and all related problems). The panelists will discuss nuclear power generation in the context of the climate crisis, and express their collective determination to decommission nuclear power.

Gösta Lyngå; Alexander Pagoulatos; Tim Hollo; Georgios Kostakos; Vivienne Glance

GDP growth is hurting both the environment and its people, so we need an alternative. With many people across the globe in agreement that the GDP/GNP is misleading in expressing the well-being of countries and is in conflict with Global warming prevention, it’s time to work on promoting alternative Indices in the world's macroeconomical language. Alternatives to GDP Growth was originally discussed at the 2017 Global Greens Congress in Liverpool, and is back once again with an exciting lineup of panelists. Join Tim Hollo, Dr Jonas van de Slycke, and Dr George Argeitis, as they continue the discussion on alternative progress measurements to GDP, with a particular focus on those measures that elevate outcomes for both people and the planet.

Dr Gashumba Rutsindintwarane; Taibah Istiqamah; Dr José Carlos Lima da Costa; Jannes Stoppel; Michelle Sheather

Global forest protection is key for preserving biodiversity and absorbing carbon emissions yet we are losing our ancient forests at an alarming rate. This panel will hear of case studies from on the ground sources in Rwanda, Brazil, Indonesia and the EU. What are the key drivers, impacts and solutions for deforestation. The session will then look at global measures including through the UNFCCC and traceability processes to preserve what we can of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. The session will provide a global understanding of deforestation causes and effects across the four Green party federations and all continents. The session will look at both local and global knowledge to turn around massive deforestation practices.

dominic WYKanak; Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng; Suresh Nautiyal; Mohamed Awad; Teanau Tuiono

Most countries in the Global South have experienced colonisation, and the experience has left a long shadow that continues to extend to the present. Different countries are at different stages in the decolonisation process - some have gained independence, some have formal treaties between the Indigenous people and the state, and others continue to lack meaningful voice and power. This session will compare and contrast the experiences of different countries with a colonial legacy, and seek to draw lessons for the Global Greens and countries on defining and securing justice for Indigenous peoples.

Bob Hale; Frank Sheridan

Presentation on what the organisation does, and how people can be involved.

Anita Nautiyal; Michelle Sheather; Soohee Lee

Asia Pacific Greens Federation Women’s Network (APGFWN) was established in 2015 and has dedicated its work on providing women spaces, opportunities and resources to be empowered. The session will introduce APGFWN’s work and resources, and open the floor for further discussion on how the Asia Pacific can promote gender equity. APGFWN has made available a pool of resources that can be instrumental to building and promoting gender equity in green parties. The participants will be provided information about the APGFWN’s template policies, gender equity toolkit, gender equity training, mentoring program, etc. The session will also introduce the measures the APGF is taking to promote gender equity within the Federation. This panel addresses successful Gender Equity measures and training initiatives over the past five years across countries in the Asia Pacific Greens Women’s Network. These initiatives such as mentoring by Green women; Gender Equity trainings; setting up of national Women’s networks; policy change; internal party procedures; can be taken up by other parties or federations to achieve real and lasting Gender Equity inside Green parties. Many of the resources will be available for all parties to adapt as they can see best for their own national or state parties. Followed by discussion on Gender Equity measures across all parties.

Dr.Frank Habineza [MP]; Robinah K. Nanyunja; Mohamed Awad; Jean Claude Ntezimana; Dorothy Nalubega

Green Parties across Africa have found it difficult to register and fully function as political parties due to stringent undemocratic laws and dictatorial and autocratic regimes in different African countries. Several laws have been put in place that curtail freedom of speech, freedom of political assembly and freedom of expression. Being an opposition party in some countries, it is considered as an enemy of the country, many party members from the opposition find it hard to find jobs both in the Government and private sector. Some Governments compete with Green Parties in order to show that the they are greener themselves and that Green Parties are not needed. This session will explore all those challenges and panelists will propose some solutions.\

Ruchira Talukdar; Jess Harwood

We need to recognise and create a central space for the visions and aims of movements for eco-social justice by Indigenous and marginalised communities of colour within global climate activism. In this workshop we will look at critical differences in how movements for climate justice in the Global South frame their vision and aims, by focusing on a comparison between Australian and Indian environmental and climate activism. Finally, we will look at approaches for bridging this North South divide in understanding and narratives of climate justice activism.

Tim Hollo; Maggie Chapman, MSP; Councillor Jonathan Sri; Robinah K. Nanyunja; Laura López

Greens parties have always believed in grassroots democracy, devolving power to the community and ensuring as many people as possible are involved in decision-making. But increasingly, we are involved in governing cities, regions, and whole countries. Along with top-down governing comes a tendency to centralising control and exercising coercive power, especially when governing in coalition with parties that do not subscribe to our grassroots, consensus view of politics. This is a tension the party must navigate, and must discuss in the open. Alongside this explicit tension is the existence of growing conversations about democratic innovations, from Barcelona to Kurdistan, developing new ways for communities to retain control of decision-making, and for governments to facilitate and enable community-level leadership. How can Greens in governments, in parliaments, and operating in communities, work together to transform how government works, dissolving coercive power and distributing the capacity to co-determine our own futures as widely as possible across communities? And how can the Global Greens provide linkages and networks to ensure that the lessons for these activities are spread across the globe, and even form part of the superstructure of globalised localism? In this panel session and group discussion, elected Greens taking part in governments small and large, from Scotland to Barcelona, The Australian Capital Territory to New Zealand, facilitated by Tim Hollo from The Australian Green Institute, will discuss how they navigate this tension between exercising power and dissolving power. The group will analyse successes and challenges, and seek support to form a global community of practice through the auspices of the Global Greens around democratic renewal and innovation.

Pegah Edalatian; Leonore Gewessler; Maria Ferm; Evelyne HUYTEBROECK; Marc Ó Cathasaigh

Greens in Europe have an almost unique experience of coalition government in a number of countries, with a range of political partners and some for more than one term. We have a lot of experience to share about Green achievements and the positive difference we can make. We know there is also a lot of interest from other Green parties to understand what going into government means for a party's identity and to understand where are the limits to compromise. This is particularly true for countries where there is majoritarian system or strong political divisions make coalition unlikely. This will be a live panel discussion between Greens with experience of government to explore these issues.

Alice Hubbard; Mohamed Awad; Carla Piranda Rebello; Snigdah Tiwari; Hon. Martin Ogindo

Join Global Greens COP26 delegates for firsthand insights from the UN Climate Conference. In this webinar, we’ll delve into the experiences of Global Greens delegates to COP26, exploring some of the memorable moments, highlights, and challenges. Building on the successes and failures of COP26, we’ll ask how can Greens build momentum for climate action ahead of COP27?

Soohee Lee; Bob Hale; Yeh won Kim; Dr.Frank Habineza [MP]; Jean Lambert; Alejandro Aguilera; Najah Jaroush ABDOUNI; Patricia MALDONADO

Join us as we hear from all of our Federations

Marij Preneel; Helimo Matti; Michal Berg; Olivier Deleuze

Across the world, thousands of Greens are being elected to local councils. In this panel, you will hear from European Green mayors about some of their actions to improve people's lives and their environment.

Will Mendes; Monica Buava

The World is facing devastation and extreme events, with only 70% of arable land use for cattle or other animal product. Meatless monday can make the difference, the impact can be enormous. In countries such as Brazil, USA, India and Australia there are more cows than people, which means more methane gas emissions, soil, air and water pollution. Also the consequences for people´s health eating animals with antibiotics and hormones. We can slow down the deforestation in many countries just by eating one day without animal products.

Richard Wouters; Fatima Vally; Gabriela Cabaña; Frank Meeussen; Saskia Kluit

The climate emergency leaves us no choice but to make a swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies. However, this transition requires huge amounts of metals, such as copper, lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earths. By 2030, the world will need twice as much lithium and cobalt as current mines can supply, and 25% more copper, according to the International Energy Agency. Since the greatest burdens of metal mining fall on the global South, this raises the issue of climate justice. Also, the metal hunger of the energy transition may pose a dilemma for Green parties that want to overcome extractivism. How can we achieve a more sparing, circular use of metals, especially in the global North? Can we obtain the primary metals that we really need in a responsible way? This online workshop takes the recent publication Metals for a Green and Digital Europe 1 by the Green European Foundation as a starting point for an exchange of views between Greens from metal exporting and importing countries. The workshop will kick off with a presentation by Richard Wouters from Wetenschappelijk Bureau GroenLinks, the think tank of the Dutch green party. He is the main author of the GEF publication on metals. This presentation will be followed by short responses from stakeholders and Green politicians. After that, the other online participants will have an opportunity to give their view and propose solutions.

Matilde Baján; Leonardo Álvarez Romo; Flor de María Hurtado; Manuel Diaz

This session will be conducted in Spanish and will be focused on the Americas. The speakers will present case studies and testimonials in the regios and particular parties/countries.

Alex Tyrrell; Aatefeh Padidar; Dimitri Lascaris

Join Quebec Green Party leader and GlobalGreen.News Founder, Alex Tyrrell, for a panel discussion on the role of independent media and Global Green News.

Sopho Mchedlishvili; Giorgi Ptskialadze; Sialo Sankei; Fabiana Zanutti; Janmejai Tiwari; Liliane Pollmann

There is an apparent decline in youth participation in electoral politics; yet, the explanations vary and there is not a consensus on the underlying causes. A widespread misconception has been that the youth is not interested in politics and is apathetic; however, we keep witnessing powerful youth movements globally, including the green and climate movements. Why has the formal politics failed to attract youth cohorts, and how does giving the priority to the policy concerns of young people make a difference in the architecture of party politics -- Global Greens congress can be a fertile soil for cross-continental challenging the popular ideas that young people are now largely apolitical. We would like to draw conclusions that will be instrumental on the one hand for the Green youth in strategic mobilisation, and for the Green political parties on the other hand for the meaningful engagement of the youth.

Renata Falzoni; Andre Fraga; Andreia Struchel; Adalberto Maluf; Bruna Barros

A recent increase in deforestation and inadequate climate change plans, has put Brazil in the spotlight. However, what many forget is that Brazil does have climate focused initiatives such as, low carbon agriculture, electric mobility, and renewable energy. Such initiatives are primarily led by subnational governments, who unfortunately are yet to be acknowledged as key contributors in the Nationally Determined Contribution NDC) for the Paris Agreement. Join leading experts from Brazil's public and private sectors to debate the opportunities and challenges when it comes to integrating climate focused polices. Panelists will discuss the successful implementation of numerous Climate Mitigation Plans across several large cities in Brazil. Through conversation the panelists will address the local actions contributing to low carbon mobility and renewable energy, and will seek to highlight the gaps in Brazil's NDC whilst suggesting solutions for the future. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with panelists to discuss the current NDC framework while also learning about opportunities to expand and integrate climate centred policies.

Diane Moxley; Priscilla Wehi; Winona LaDuke; Lizzie Adams; Ricardo Roura; Yelena Yermakova; Alistair Allan; Michelle Sheather; Cormac Cullinan

Green Parties and allies across the globe will advance Rights of Nature initiatives and participate in the democratically-created Declaration for the Rights of Antarctica to be launched on Earth Day, April 22, 2022, for adoption by states and civil society across the globe. Join panelists from across the globe as they discuss the Rights of Nature and Antarctica Rights.

Carla Piranda Rebello

Join Green Women of the world as they debate gender equity and policies for women. Hear from women across the globe about their experiences of gender equity and brainstorm ways towards a more inclusive future. The session will commence with a presentation by Carla Piranda the Convenor of the Global Greens Women’s Network, and then participants will move into breakout rooms for deeper discussion.

Alex Gonzales; Alejandro Aguilera; Antolin Polanco; Manuel Diaz; Leonardo Álvarez Romo

This session will be conducted in Spanish and will be focused on the Americas. The speakers will present success stories and challenges in the region and particular parties/countries. To identify the main challenges and strategies for the growth of Green parties in the Americas and around the world

Alexander Lautensach; sabina Lautensach

Deep Adaptation (DA) helps us to face the Anthropocene polycrisis (climate change, pollution, etc.) with the determination to reduce harm and not to make matters worse [1]. Beginning with an overview of what Deep Adaptation is, this workshop will introduce a case study to enable participants to collaboratively suggest Green Party Policies on the four agenda of Deep Adaptation: Resilience (“How do we keep what we really want to keep?”), Relinquishment (“What beliefs and norms do we need to let go of in order not to make matters worse?”), Restoration (“What can we bring back to help us with the coming difficulties and tragedies?”), Reconciliation (“With what and with whom can we make peace as we face our mutual mortality?”). Source: [1] Bendell, Jem. 2020. Deep Adaptation: A Map for Navigating Climate Tragedy. IFLAS Occasional Paper 2 www.iflas.info, 2nd edition (July 27). Institute of Leadership & Sustainability (IFLAS), University of Cumbria, UK. http://www.lifeworth.com/deepadaptati...

Elizabeth May; Stav Shaffir; Dr. Abdelrahman Tamini; Cathy Peters

This is a contentious question amongst many Green Parties. We wanted the key people to frame this conversation and perhaps find a new approach for Greens to discuss this issue. How can we as Greens around the world promote human rights and, particularly, justice? Panelist Stav Shaffir, youngest person to be elected Member of the Israeli Knesset and Leader of the Israeli Greens, has penned an article available here that serves as a good starting point for discussions - Haaretz - Stav Shaffir - There Is Only One War: The Extremists vs. the Moderates "My goal, as a Canadian Green Parliamentarian, is to highlight how Global Green values bring a different lens to what may seem intractable disputes. With this session, I hope we can create more awareness around the world of the Green Party of Israel’s objections to the illegal settlements project coming from a concern for the increased inequity – access to housing and education – within Israeli society due to this dreadful project." - Elizabeth May, O.C., Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands and Parliamentary Leader of the Green Caucus