Momentum for Change

Momentum for Change, an initiative of the UNFCCC Secretariat, recognizes positive activities and demonstrating results. These activities are innovative and transformative solutions addressing climate change as well as economic, social, and environmental challenges. These "Lighthouse Activities" are divided into three pillars: urban poor, women for results, and financing for climate change. During this second week of the conference, there are five events highlighting different areas of this initiative. After observing two of these events along with my own research, I really thought I understood what the initiative was all about.

The event started out with this amazing line up of speakers; Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Ms. Christiana Figueres, and Ms. Kelly Rigg among others. It wasn't just who these people are, but what they were saying. They spoke of the 17 Lighthouse Activities winners. These activities do so many different things to change the lives of so many all around the world. During the event one had to take a moment to be in awe of what is happening and who was around them.

Christiana Figueres s

Wednesday evening's event titled, “Momentum for Change: Lighthouse Showcase” put this conference in perspective for me.  I understood completely what our purpose here at the conference was.  These programs or activities take everything that’s happening here at COP19 to reality. They are taking all these visions and dreams to action, to that next step of changing the world. They’re showing us how to take action while government leaders are in negotiations. They truly are changing lives for the better through their own initiative. They’re not waiting around but leading, teaching and most importantly, inspiring. 

Tonight I realized the true meaning of these initiatives; after all the frustration of negotiations not making anywhere near enough progress, COP19 brings us hope and inspires us to do all that we can to make this world better. The activities this initiative highlighted show how wise Margaret Mead was when she said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizen can change the world; it is the only thing that every has."