Top > Foreign Policy > Climate Change > The Preparatory Meeting of Ministers for the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP11) and the First Session of the Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP1) (Overview and Evaluation)

The Preparatory Meeting of Ministers for the Eleventh Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP11) and the First Session of the Conference of the Parties Serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP1)
(Overview and Evaluation)

September 24, 2005
(Delegation of the Government of Japan)

Summary:

The Preparatory Meeting Ministers for the eleventh session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP11) and the first session of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (COP/MOP1) was held from September 22 to 24 in Ottawa with approximately 40 participating countries. In light of the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol in February this year, the preparatory meeting hosted by Canada, the chair country, was held with the aim of conducting an informal exchange of opinions with a view to bringing about the successful conclusion of COP11 and COP/MOP1 that will be convened from November 28 to December 9 in Montreal.

From Japan, Minister of the Environment Yuriko Koike attended the meeting, among others. Minister Koike introduced the endeavors being undertaken by Japan, including the Kyoto Protocol Target Achievement Plan and COOL BIZ, and stated that at COP11 and COP/MOP1 participating countries must make necessary decisions to implement the Kyoto Protocol. Regarding the framework for the period beyond 2012, Minister Koike stressed the need to build an effective framework in which all countries participate.

At this preparatory meeting, a wide range of views were expressed and progress was made, including achieving a common understanding to a certain extent on which issues requires discussion. Meanwhile, many underlying points of contention still remain. Further coordination will be made based on the outcome of this preparatory meeting, and Japan will continue to actively contribute to the success of COP11 and COP/MOP1.

I. Overview

  1. The majority reached an agreement that there are two broad issues to be discussed at the Montreal meeting: (1) implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and improving the various ongoing systems, and (2) modalities of the future framework beyond 2012.
  2. Minister Koike delivered her remarks in the morning of the first day meeting, and in particular, stressed the following points:
    • The international community must take action with a sense of urgency and responsibility in order to prevent the intensification of the adverse effects of climate change on earth.
    • Not only has Japan formulated the Kyoto Protocol Target Achievement Plan and is strengthening its measures against climate change, it is promoting various measures including "Team Minus 6%" and COOL BIZ and making utmost efforts to realize Japan's 6% reduction commitment under the Kyoto Protocol.
    • The Kyoto Protocol is a significant step toward the realization of the ultimate goal of the Convention, and in Montreal, countries must reach agreement first on measures to secure the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and make improvements to systems such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
    • As for beyond 2012, it is essential to establish an effective framework in which all countries are participate, taking into account common grounds and experiences to date.
  3. Various diverging opinions surrounded the two issues, namely, implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and improving the various ongoing systems, and the modalities of the future framework beyond 2012 and onwards. Countries agreed to deepen the discussions on the issues at upcoming meetings.

II. Bilateral meetings

Taking this opportunity, Minister Koike held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia, and the European Commission (EC).

III. Evaluation

(1) At this meeting, representatives of major countries gathered and were able to freely exchange their opinions, bearing in mind how to make the Montreal meetings a success.
(2) With regard to formulating the agenda, the majority reached a consensus that there are two major items that must be coordinated in Montreal. The first item concerns deciding on the items necessary for the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol and improving the various systems which currently exist. The other item concerns the modalities of the future framework.
(3) On each point of contention, however, there were various disagreements. With regard to the modalities of the future framework in particular, a large divide separated the countries which call for the immediate commencement of dialogue, and countries which urge that more concrete actions should be made and that a new round of dialogues or negotiations was premature.
(4) From Japan, Minister Koike attended the meeting. Minister Koike introduced the vigorous endeavors being undertaken by Japan and stressed the country's basic positions. She stated that in Montreal participating countries must make the necessary decisions for implementing the Kyoto Protocol, and that regarding the framework for the ensuing period beginning in 2013 an effective framework must be built in which all countries participate.
(5) Further coordination will be made based on the outcome of this preparatory meeting, and in light of the many outstanding issues concerning future coordination, Japan intends to continue to actively contribute to ensure the success of the COP11 and COP/MOP1.
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