GBM Blog

Networking at COP16

December 12, 2010 - 09:05AM
Published by Francesca de Gasparis

This blog has been written by Benjamin Kimani, Senior Project Officer - Climate Change and Carbon Projects, Nairobi who was attending his first COP in Cancun.

Talk of networking! COP 16 is one place that international networks are being created. At COP 16 there are approximately 15,000 participants. With such a number of people from all over the world and all with differing interests in the field of Environment and all from different sectors of Environmental field.

It goes without saying that quite interesting and important networking is going on.From touring the exhibition booths by different environmental organizations (UN affiliated bodies, Research Institutions, Civil Society Organizations and Non Governmental Organizations) I get to interact with very many people, some of which I intend to keep contact with in future for the betterment of not only of my work with the GBM but also for the future furtherance of my career.

I have had a chance to meet with our partners and funders, representatives of senior internationally respected bodies and all manner of stakeholders in my field of profession(environment). I intend to maintain the networks to keep myself up to speed with what others are doing and to share experiences in future.

The best networks of all have been created in informal meetings like in organized dinners and cocktail parties. As COP16 closes I travel home with a wealth of new contacts and information to digest.