Making Room for Indigenous Voices at COP27

Rhea-AI Summary

Suncor Energy participated in COP27, showcasing increased Indigenous representation compared to previous conferences. JP Gladu, a board member and Indigenous advocate, noted the emotional engagement of attendees and the need for open discussions on diverging views. Despite protests at the Oil Sands Pathways Alliance panel, Gladu emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration for achieving the 2050 net zero target, which he considers essential for future sustainability. He reaffirmed that addressing climate change is not only vital for the environment but also aligns with business objectives.

Positive

• Increased Indigenous representation at COP27 indicates growing recognition of Indigenous voices in climate discussions.
• Commitment to achieving the 2050 net zero target aligns with broader sustainability goals and can enhance Suncor's corporate reputation.

Negative

• Protests at the panel indicate substantial opposition to heavy emitters, potentially impacting public perception.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 16, 2023 / When JP Gladu travelled to Egypt for COP27 last November, he was impressed with the increased Indigenous presence compared to the first COP he attended 22 years ago.
JP Gladu, a member of the Sand Point First Nation in Northern Ontario and Suncor Board of Directors member, attended the 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) as both a panel participant for the Oil Sands Pathways Alliance and one of several voices in Canada's core delegation representing Indigenous Peoples and knowledge.

"I was blown away by the international Indigenous presence at COP27," he says. "It was heartwarming to see the organization and representation of Indigenous People compared to the first COP I attended 22 years ago. The world is making room for Indigenous People and our knowledge systems, which is beautiful. Our country really made room for the Indigenous voice."

JP was on the Oil Sands Pathways Alliance panel, which took place on the sixth day. "The Pathways Alliance panel was masterfully done, but it was met with friction," explains JP. "We knew there would be some disruption, but I wasn't expecting such anger. It was jarring.

The disruption came in the form of protestors who interrupted the panel by standing up with signs that read: "Get heavy emitters out of Canada." and then left. But the upsetting disruption for JP came during the question-and-answer period.

"There was an Indigenous woman in the audience who spoke first. She was filled with emotion and just laid into the panel. She didn't ask questions and when she finished, she walked away from the mic and out of the room. It was disappointing that she didn't wait to hear the panel's response to her comments."

As the founder of Mokwateh, a consultancy that shares JP's Anishinaabe name, and with more than 30 years of experience in the natural resources sector, JP is no stranger to opposing views; in fact, he values the conversation they elicit.

"It's OK that we have diverging views, that's important to the conversation, and it's important that we hold each other accountable," he explains. "But have the courage to stay in the room. If you're not going to stay in the room, we're not going to solve anything. We need to work these things out together."

The protests didn't detract from the conversations JP had at COP27. He says there was space for challenging but important conversations, and it was clear that the Pathways Alliance, which includes Suncor as one of the six member companies, is committed to meeting the 2050 net zero target.

"It's imperative that we meet that target," he says. "There are a lot of people in big organizations that care a hell of a lot, and we know we have to get there for our children, for our companies and for a cleaner future. And it makes business sense to get there."

Read the full story here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Suncor Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Suncor Energy
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/suncor-energy
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SOURCE: Suncor Energy

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/739622/Making-Room-for-Indigenous-Voices-at-COP27

FAQ

What was Suncor's involvement in COP27?

Suncor participated in COP27 through board member JP Gladu, who represented Indigenous voices and engaged in discussions about sustainability.

What challenges did Suncor face at COP27?

Suncor's panel was disrupted by protestors advocating for the removal of heavy emitters from Canada, indicating public opposition.

What is the significance of the 2050 net zero target for Suncor?

The 2050 net zero target is crucial for Suncor to demonstrate commitment to sustainability and align with global climate goals.