Lawmakers assemble in Bonn for the Inaugural Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians on land and climate advocacy

22 Aug 2023, Bonn, Germany – The G20 Global Land Initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in partnership with the United Nations System Staff College (UNSSC), is proud to unveil the first-ever Global Changemaker Academy for Parliamentarians (G-CAP). Running from 21-25 August 2023, this Academy brings together 30 distinguished national legislators from around the world to Bonn, Germany.

G-CAP 's vision is to cultivate a group of parliamentarians who understand and champion the pivotal role of land restoration and management in combating climate change. In his welcome address Ibrahim Thiaw, United Nations Under-Secretary General and Executive Secretary of UNCCD noted, “There is an increasing realization around the world of the importance of prudent management of land and the consequence of not doing so. Humanity is already active on 70 per cent of all the land area and up to 30 per cent of that is degraded in various levels due to human activity.”

This five-day academy, hosted at the UNSSC campus in Bonn, offers an unparalleled platform for global dialogue, learning, and engagement centered on land conservation and restoration. The city of Bonn is often described as Germany’s sustainability hub and center for international cooperation and sustainability. The parliamentarians from 24 nations were welcomed by the Deputy Mayor, Ursala Sautter, at the Old Town Hall of Bonn for an evening reception on the opening day

Throughout the week, delegates will immerse themselves in expert-led masterclasses, gaining insights from distinguished speakers including,

Dr. Shashi Tharoor, former UN Under-Secretary General and Member of Parliament, India

Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Deputy Secretary General, Commonwealth Secretariat

H.E. Carlos Alvarado Quesada, 48th President of Costa Rica

Dr. Musonda Mumba, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

Leadership labs, workshops, and unmatched global networking opportunities will ensure participants leave with actionable insights and connections. The Changemakers Academy's agenda includes a learning visit to Eschweiler and the adjacent open-cast mine, showcasing an authentic case of eco-social transformation.

Silke Weinlich, Head of Learning and Knowledge Services at UNSSC says, "Parliamentarians, are on the front lines of land conservation, as they have the power to legislate and regulate how land is used and conserved; this Changemaker Academy aims to provide them with the tools they need to champion this issue in their national legislative agendas."

For additional information about G-CAP and upcoming editions, please contact: gcap@unssc.org.