The World Mediators Alliance on Climate Change (WoMACC) was created in 2020. It contains within it ideas for action, resources and a Green Pledge designed to be broad enough to allow all those involved in mediation to make changes to their behaviour and to lead the way in responsible mediating.
Already more than 25 organisations around the world have expressed their support. IMI, as one of the initial supporting organisations, encourages all IMI Implementing Organisations to do the same. Out of 60 IMI implementing organisations 7 have already done so: ADR ODR International, CEDR, Concilia, Conflict Dynamics, The Mediators’ Institute of Ireland, Consensus Campus, and Singapore Mediation Centre.
“As climate change is fast becoming a major test of our collective ability to prevent and manage crises, mediators will increasingly need to consider its short-, medium- and long-term implications for their engagements and integrate climate-informed practices into mediation and other forms of peacemaking. Such approaches are not only necessary to help conflict parties address the risks associated with the adverse effects of climate change, they also allow mediators to take advantage of potential opportunities for bringing conflict parties together to discuss shared responses to common climate-related threats.”
UN Report on the Implications of Climate Change for Mediators and Peace Processes (September 2022)
Mediators and dispute resolvers play an important role in all aspects of individual, community, and political change, as do their membership organisations. Our skills put us at the forefront of bringing people together and facilitating the conversations required to adapt to our ever-changing world and its needs. As mediators make changes in their practices to reduce their carbon impact, they are well placed to offer their services to address environmental issues and conflicts.
“As the world struggles to respond effectively to a series of never-ending global crises, it is understandable that some people may be feeling a sense of powerlessness in the face of what seem like irresolvable challenges. But hope springs eternal, and we must never underestimate the power of small actions to influence seismic shifts.”
As mediators in a global family of dispute resolvers, let us support and encourage each other on this journey. Together, let us make a commitment to sustainability.
We invite all mediators and membership organisations to view the Green Pledge and raise awareness of it where possible.
View Keynote Speeches from the Mediators’ Green Pledge Seminar held on 5 November 2021, including an address by IMI Certified Mediator and Board Member Tat Lim, to get inspired!
