In the world of international climate negotiations, a critical question arises: who gets to be at the table, and who is left out in the cold? This week, as the eyes of the world turn to Bonn, Germany, for the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies of the UNFCC, we must confront the growing concerns over the exclusivity and inaccessibility of these crucial talks.
The Shrinking Civic Space
Climate negotiations, which affect billions globally, are often inaccessible to the very people they impact the most. Mohamed Adow, founder of Power Shift Africa, highlights the importance of civil society press briefings, which provide an independent account of the negotiations. These briefings are a lifeline for journalists, especially those from developing nations, who face cost barriers, visa challenges, and shrinking media budgets.
The Climate Action Network (CAN), a global civil society organization, has traditionally held daily press briefings at UN climate talks. However, this year in Bonn, they were allocated a mere five press conference slots for the entire conference. This move, described by Adow as a "deliberate narrowing of civic space," sparked concern and led to the UN allocating two additional slots.
Dr Ketakandriana "Ke" Rafitoson, Executive Director of Resource Justice Network, emphasizes the importance of civil society briefings in understanding complex negotiations. Restricting this space, she argues, weakens accountability and undermines trust in multilateral climate action, especially when a just transition is at stake.
The Presence of Lobbyists
While civil society faces shrinking access, the number of pro-oil lobbyists attending these events is on the rise. A 2025 analysis revealed that one in every 25 attendees at COP30 was a fossil fuel lobbyist, a 12% increase from the previous year. This marks the highest concentration of lobbyists since tracking began in 2021. The presence of lobbyists raises questions about the influence they wield and the potential impact on negotiations.
Visa Delays and Exclusion
Visa barriers have long been a concern, with delegates from developing countries facing delays, denials, and financial hurdles. The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) has documented these issues since 2008. Last year's climate event in Bonn saw 223 delegates from Africa and Asia face visa difficulties, with 25 denials, 167 unprocessed applications, and 37 delays. Countries like Burundi, Cameroon, Egypt, Morocco, and Rwanda were left without representation.
Randa Khaled, an Egyptian climate activist, highlights the frustration of visa backlogs, questioning the inclusivity and equity of negotiations when representatives from countries like Egypt are unable to physically attend. The financial impact is significant, with grassroots organizations bearing the brunt of these delays.
Baboucarr Nyang of CAN Africa emphasizes the difference between a quiet and a closed room, arguing that effective negotiations can be fair and focused. He condemns the exclusion of African delegates, Pacific islanders, and frontline community representatives, describing it as "exclusion wearing a bureaucratic mask."
The Impact on Trust and Fairness
The exclusion of delegates from developing countries raises questions about the fairness and trustworthiness of the outcomes. Nyang argues that trust is built when those directly affected by climate change, such as farmers, fisherfolk, and pastoralists, see representation at the negotiation table.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the ongoing climate negotiations in Bonn, it is clear that the issue of accessibility and inclusivity is not just a logistical concern but a fundamental challenge to the integrity of the process. The shrinking civic space, the presence of lobbyists, and the exclusion of delegates from developing nations all contribute to a growing sense of unease. It is imperative that the UN climate process addresses these concerns to ensure that the negotiations are not only effective but also just and representative of the global community they aim to serve.
