It all began with an impulsive click. A casual scroll through emails on a Friday morning led me to a golden opportunity – a chance to contribute to Dr. Huq’s work as a civil society member in the innovative finance working group. This sparked a thrilling journey, culminating in my attendance at the Summit for the New Global Financing Pact in Paris.
I volunteered for the task, eager to delve deeper into innovative financing, a field that piqued my interest. At ICCCAD, we’re encouraged to expand our expertise, and such opportunities are plentiful. I embrace them, finding dedication comes easier when I’m actively involved.
As I interacted with the working group, I discovered the task’s connection to the Paris Summit, hosted by President Macron, with the potential for funded attendance. With Dr. Huq’s support, I successfully secured funding for the summit, excited to assist him and contribute individually.
Navigating Paris: From Disarray to Delight
My arrival in Paris on June 20th was met with a mix of excitement and disillusionment. The summit’s organization felt chaotic, with schedules shrouded in uncertainty. The organizers’ lack of interest in hosting a side event on an international air solidarity levy added to my disappointment.
But the first day brought a spark of inspiration. A distinguished event hosted by Mayor Anne Hidalgo marked the launch of the 2023 SDG Report, with Dr. Huq as a panelist alongside prominent figures like Barbados and Congo ministers, Mayor Hidalgo, and Professor Jeffrey Sachs. The event provided insights into the SDG index and offered a glimpse into Paris’s grandeur through the City Hall’s imposing architecture and the absence of air conditioning.
The evening brought a reception on a docked boat along the Seine Riverbank, providing breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. I connected with fellow civil society members from around the world, including Bangladesh. The day ended with a delicious dinner with colleagues, where I finally tasted French fries in their (arguably) country of origin.
From Unexpected Filming to Side Event Discussions
My second morning in Paris began with a disappointing downpour, thwarting my plans for a city stroll. However, a sudden shift in plans saw me join Dr. Huq at a charming studio for a documentary filming. The studio, nestled in a fairytale alleyway, housed a library, a masonry workshop, and a florist who warmly engaged me while her grumpy puppy eyed me with suspicion.
My primary engagements at the summit began with two official side events featuring Dr. Huq as a speaker and an affiliated event. One event, co-hosted by CARE, Climate Action Network (CAN), and Oxfam, delved into climate finance for equity and making polluters pay, while the other, hosted by BRAC and ICCCAD at UNESCO headquarters, focused on climate vulnerability lessons from Bangladesh.
Key discussions at the side events centered around revenue streams for climate finance (e.g., levies and taxes) and the importance of translating global promises into action. The first event featured Frans Timmermans, Vice President of the European Commission, endorsing the maritime levy with a global scope, while the second event showcased Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Hon. MP, Special Envoy to the Hon. Prime Minister of Bangladesh, emphasizing the engagement of women and youth in climate action.
Youth Activism and a City Filled with Charm
The final event on our agenda, organized by French youth climate activists at the Académie du Climat, was a lively open-air event featuring active panel discussions and spirited cultural performances. I spoke about community responses to loss and damage in Bangladesh, while Dr. Huq delivered an inspiring speech on the role of fair and inclusive global cooperation.
Even beyond the summit events, Paris offered endless charm. I indulged in a mini-food tour, exploring French bakeries and devouring croissants. I wandered through the historic Palais Brongniart and got lost in the labyrinthine UNESCO building, finding myself captivated by the illuminated Eiffel Tower during an unplanned detour. A sunset stroll along the riverbank, led by a French documentary filmmaker, culminated in a delicious Italian dinner at a French bistro.
A Summit Concluded, But Memories Remain
The following day, the summit’s high-level closing ceremony brought together global leaders from 35 countries. The outcomes, while not unexpected, lacked major announcements, instead presenting a two-year roadmap aligned with President Macron’s financial reform suggestions. Nevertheless, the summit highlighted crucial issues like financial reforms and the Bridgetown initiative, fostering connections between key global leaders.
With the summit complete, I finally had the opportunity to explore Paris’s iconic tourist sights, including Versailles Palace, the Grande Mosquée de Paris, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triomphe. While my limited time prevented me from visiting the Versailles Palace and the Louvre Museum, I found excitement in climbing the Arc de Triomphe for a panoramic city view.
The Charm of Paris: Beyond Tourist Traps
Beyond the tourist attractions, my favorite moments in Paris were discovering charming alleyways, lovely florist markets, cozy bistros, and the Bouquiniestes, a riverside secondhand book market. Paris’s kindness exceeded my expectations, proving to be welcoming and pleasant despite my initial concerns.
As an amateur still navigating my field, the summit experience was immensely enriching, while my adventurous spirit found rejuvenation in exploring the city’s hidden corners.
