Table of Contents
Preface Main Page
Foreword

Part 1 The Negotiating Context
1. The Climate Change Problem
 2. The Climate Convention
and the Kyoto Protocol
3. The Bodies in the Regime
4. The Rules of Procedure
5. State and Non-State Actors
6. Coalitions in the Climate
Change Regime
7. The G-77 and China

Part 2 Negotiating Skills
8. The Ideal Negotiator
 9. The Handicapped Negotiator
10. Coping Strategies
11. Tips and Tricks for the
Lonely Diplomat
 12. Index to the FCCC
 13. References




Part I: The Negotiating Context
4. The Rules of Procedure
Why are rules of procedure important? / The Rules of Procedure / Key issues in the Rules of Procedure / Outstanding issues in the Rules of Procedure / Consensus is not unanimity / Role of President or Chairman / The nomenclature of documents / Tips and tricks

4.8 Tips and tricks

  • Keep a copy of the Rules of Procedure handy, and if possible memorize the key elements.

  • Speak through a single spokesperson when possible.

  • Learn to master the use of "Motions" and "Points of Order."

  • Keep an ear open for when other countries are using "Motions," and discern if it is a delay tactic or a legitimate request.

  • One voiced objection to a consensus is, theoretically, enough to stop the consensus. Some countries have used this power in the negotiations. However, it is not wise to misuse the power of objection. Most countries are extremely diplomatic and cautious in exercising this right.

  • Familiarize yourself with the nomenclature of the documents listed in Table 2.

    For more information read:

    Werksman, Jacob (1999). Paper on Procedural and Institutional Aspects of the Emerging Climate Change Regime: Do Impoverished Procedures Lead to Impoverished Rules. Presented at the Workshop to Enhance the Policy-Making Capacity Under the Framework Convention on Climate Change, 17-18 March 1999. Unpublished, author's copy. Convention on the Law of Treaties (Vienna) 23 May 1969, in force 14 August 1970; 875 UNTS 3.

    Footnotes
    (3) The Bureau consists of one President, seven Vice-Presidents, one Rapporteur and two Chairs (of the two subsidiary bodies).

    (4 ) Weighted majority means that additional weight is given to some countries for varied specific reasons. For example, the World Bank uses weighted voting in which weights are assigned according to the level of the capital subscriptions of the borrower and non-borrower countries. (Source: www.worldbank.org)

    (5) Double majority requires a majority to be maintained both on the basis of one vote per country, as well as on the basis of financial contributions to a fund.

    (6) For COP-5 and -6, these are not yet available other than in English on the web site.