About the CFMS
The CFMS is an organization representing over 8,000 medical students from 15 Canadian medical student societies from coast to coast. We represent medical students to the public, to the federal government, and to national and international medical organizations.Important
In collaboration with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS) is proud to offer the following opportunity. Please note that you will need to have your application package signed off by the Vice President Global Health, prior to submission (please email [email protected] ASAP).
This is to announce that we are looking for delegates to the COP 21 - the awaited Paris Climate change conference which will happen on November 30th - December 11th in Paris, France. The delegation will be composed of six (6) persons, including an IFMSA Official who will coordinate the delegation. This meeting will be overviewed by the IFMSA Liaison Officer for Public Health Issues 2015-2016.
What is COP?
Every year, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) hosts its annual conference, known as the ‘COP’. This conference brings tens of thousands of key stake holders together from member states, Civil Society Groups and Inter Governmental Agencies from all over the world to talk about international collaboration on Climate Change. It will be an event that will be influencing global and national policy on adaptation and mitigation efforts.
All the eyes are on Paris. COP21 will be the event defining how the world will tackle climate change in the 21st century. It is expected that COP21 will serve as a platform where countries will adopt a legally binding and universal international climate agreement. This would be a first in over 20 years of climate talks!
For more information:
- http://www.cop21.gouv.fr/en
- http://unfccc.int/meetings/paris_nov_2015/meeting/8926.php
- http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/jun/02/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-paris-climate-summit-and-un-talks
What about the delegation?
The delegation is expected to follow-up on the previous work achieved in prior climate change negotiations (especially COP20 and the ADP2.8-2.11), including promoting a great importance of health within the text. You can visit IFMSA Blog at blog.ifmsa.org for more insights on the achievements of previous delegations.
Important criteria for selection of delegates include interest and understanding of climate change issues, experience in advocacy, as well as potential to contribute to IFMSA’s efforts on climate change education issues. However, we also encourage emerging members who are committed to learn new knowledge, gain new skills, and participate in IFMSA’s projects even beyond the conference.
Delegates are expected to:
- Have a basic understanding of climate change
- Actively participate in the delegation’s preparations and strategy elaboration
- Collaborate with IFMSA Partners, such as the Global Climate & Health Alliance, the World Health Organization and YOUNGO
- Fund their own travel expenses
- Have a basic understanding of climate change and global health
- Participate in the Conference of Youth 11 taking place prior to COP21
- Attend the Climate and Health Summit (parallel event to COP21)
- Be available for the full duration of the meeting
What do you need to do?
If you are interested, please submit the following to [email protected] before Sunday September 25th 2015 23:59 GMT. Please put “Application to COP 21” as the subject of the e-mail. Late and incomplete submissions will not be accepted.
What do you need to submit?
- Motivation Letter – maximum of 2 pages, explaining your interest in participating in COP21, your previous experience in the field, and your expected contributions to the delegation / IFMSA.
- Curriculum Vitae – maximum of 2 pages
- External Meeting Application Form (attached)
- Certification Letter from NMO President – this should certify your membership in IFMSA and your student status. You will need to have this letter signed and stamped by the CFMS VP Global Health. Please email [email protected] ASAP.
Accepted applicants will receive online preparation as soon as the results are released. IFMSA commits to train, brief and prepare all delegates to the meeting; and to smoothly coordinate the delegation during the meeting.
Attachments: