COP26 has promised diversity and inclusion, signifying the importance of having everyone heard and represented, to ensure that every issue is seen and every possible solution and opinion is looked at. As stated on the COP26 website: “A priority for the COP Presidency has been ensuring an in-person and inclusive summit, because we believe that is essential to success at COP26 and delivering for our planet.“
Unfortunately, it would seem that was not the case both in the blue zone where the world leaders, ministers, and other high ranking individuals gathered and discussed the future; as well as in the green zone – where public speakers, scientists, activists, youths, businesses, and others could have their voices heard.
In the blue zone, a few very important world leaders were not present: including Xi Jinping, the president of China; Vladimir Putin, the president of the Russian Federation; and Jair Bolsonaro, the president of Brazil. Which meant they did not directly participate in the talks and did not see COP26 for themselves.
Surprisingly, some officials who wished to attend, could not because of issues at COP26 itself – Energy Minister Karine Elharrar of Israel was unable to attend due to a lack of wheelchair access.
The green zone however has been host to many different people from around the world, an event that showcased this was Citizens from the Global Assembly present their proposals | #COP26. Which featured people of all walks of life from around the world. As they had shown in their map:
Despite this, all COP26 has seen a lack of representation, some individuals were unable to attend due to visa issues like Diaka Salena Koroma, who openly spoke out regarding these issues on another COP event – Earth Observers: From space frontiers to frontline farmers | #COP26. This means that many people who are generally most affected by climate change: farmers, indigenous people, minorities – are not properly heard or are not heard at all.
This has not gone unnoticed by media and the public, and hopefully, governments and global organizations will make sure that these people can speak to global leaders and organizations, and are able to actively participate in decisions for the future.