Sub-state diplomacy at international negotiations: Wales and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Elin Royles, Institute of Welsh Politics, Aberystwyth University

André Lecours (2002) In contrast to states, the purpose of sub-state diplomacy is to develop an international personality Sub-state governments 'rarely look to influence the behaviour and policies of other international actors.’ Sub-state governments are disadvantaged compared to non-state actors: ‘Regional governments are in a different, more delicate position since they are institutional-territorial entities that cannot readily use strategies of demonstration, advocacy or political/economic pressure to get involved in world politics. They have to rely on the state-centric networks and mechanisms of traditional diplomacy that tend to be closed to them.’ (2002: 94-5)

Wales – a brief introduction National Assembly for Wales established in 1999 Low level of regional authority (secondary legislative powers until 2011), can currently legislate in 20 areas, low fiscal autonomy Foreign affairs and international negotiations not devolved Concordat on EU Policy Coordination and Concordat on International Relations – soft law and non-binding: Devolved administrations invited to contribute to reports to international organizations on obligations arising from international agreements on areas of devolved competence. Little scope to get involved in or influence international decision-making Statutory duty to promote Sustainable Development Founding member of nrg4SD (2002) Member of Climate Group since 2009 Not Flanders, Quebec or California

Welsh Aims Copenhagen -Promote role of sub-national and regional governments in tackling causes and consequences of climate change -Promote Wales' strategic approach and action plan to tackle climate change, share good practice and learn -Enhance Assembly Government links with key networks, regional governments and UN agencies -Support UK line and call on UK Government to commit to 30% percent reductions by 2020 and to influence European position -Attempt to promote strong EU line and recognition of sub-state governments in text Doha -Raise the profile of Wales’ contribution to the international climate change agenda -Promote the actions we are taking through our Wales for Africa programme - Provide opportunities to identify new economic and social opportunities for Wales - Promote the role that Wales and sub-national and regional governments have to play in tackling the causes and consequences of climate change - Enhance the Welsh Government’s links with key networks

Copenhagen 2009 UNFCCC COP 15 Doha 2012 UNFCCC COP 18 Ministerial Presence Co-Chair of nrg4SD (NGO) First Minister attended Not part of UK delegation nrg4SD member (NGO) UK delegation member Civil Service Part of UK delegation Welsh Government official in UK negotiating team UKMeet Secretary of State, Ed Milliband Meet Scottish Government and N. Ireland Minister Min. attend opening plenary and ministerial negotiations with UK Sec of State and Scottish Government Min. Meeting with UK, Scottish and N. Irish Ministers EU through UK Govt Pre Copenhagen: Attend European Council of Ministers x 2 Invited to participate in an EU ministerial co-ordination meeting Direct with EU Pre Copenhagen: meet Stavros Dimas EU Commissioner Discussion with European Environment Agency Ministerial meeting EU Commissioner for Climate Change Action

Copenhagen 2009 UNFCCC COP 15 Doha 2012 UNFCCC COP 18 nrg4SD / Climate Group activity -Chair nrg4SD Steering Group and open session - Meet senior leaders -host dinner with nrg4SD partners, UNDP and British Ambassador -Chair UN side-event -Chair Climate Group side event -Speak at European Environment Agency and UN Environment Programme events -First Min speak UN HABITAT sponsored side-event and Climate Group Leaders Summit and announce partnership Mbale as part of UNDP TACC programme -Minister address UNFCCC side event arranged by nrg4SD and Climate Group -Address nrg4SD event Direct-Agree partnership programme with the Government of Lesotho to support climate change strategy development. -Meet Qatar’s Minister of Energy and Industry

UNFCCC COP 16, Copenhagen 2009 Jane Davidson UNFCCC COP 19, Doha 2012 John Griffiths

Conclusions Sub-state diplomacy strongly associated with developing an international personality but attempts to influence the behaviour and policies of a range of international actors. Some evidence of impact SSGs demanding a more central position in international decision-making processes on climate action UN actors contribute to opening space for SSGs to engage as part of multilayered diplomacy Significance of international networks: provide level of SSGs involvement not possible through other means. Take advantage of NGO diplomacy routes of influence Opens up multiple routes to influence: use position and political authority as sub-state governments to be directly involved and utilise state structures to influence.