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APGF 3rd Congress Advances Green Goals in Asia Pacific
- 2. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 2 Acknowledgements Cohosts of the APGF 3rd congress: Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and the APGF Coordination Committee. APGF Coordination Committee: Thank you for caring for and building a resilient APGF institution. 1. Keli Yen 2. Suresh Nautiyal 3. Rikiya Adachi 4. Ballav Timalsina 5. Robin Winkler 6. Bob Hale 7. Saima Gul 8. Anna Reynolds APGF Member international contacts: Thank you for connecting Green politics from local to global! Australia Australian Greens Josh WyndhamKidd, International Secretary India Uttarakhand Parivartan Party Suresh Nautiyal, Party Convenor Indonesia Sarekat Hijau Indonesia Koesnadi Wirasapoetra, Secretary General Japan Greens Japan Rikiya Adachi, International Secretary Korea Green Party of Korea JiSeon Koh, International Secretary Mongolia Mongolian Green Party BoumYalagch Olzod, Party Chairperson Mongolia Civil Will Green Party GanOchir Zunduisuren, Foreign Relations Secretary Nepal Nepali Greens Ballav Timalshina, International Secretary New Zealand Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand Claire WaghornLees, International Secretary Pakistan Pakistan Green Party Liaquat Ali Sheikh, Party Chairperson Philippines Partido Kalikasan Elias Labro, Party Chairperson Taiwan Green Party Taiwan YuChi Cheng, International Secretary Taiwan Taiwan Friends of the Global Greens Joyance Wang, Coordinator Special thanks: for those who were most involved in the organising of this congress: ● Keli Yen, APGF Convenor ● Margaret Blakers, Global Greens Convenor ● The Australian Greens International Development Committee ● Maree Braningan, Congress Event Coordinator ● Claire WaghornLees and Simon Tapp, APGF Secretaries And boundless gratitude for the many people who have contributed to the APGF’s developmental journey over the years. Thank you!
- 8. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 8 Outcomes The APGF 3rd Congress website is located at: https://www.asiapacificgreens.org/congress2015 All congress outcomes are located at: https://www.asiapacificgreens.org/ 2015apgf3rdcongresswellingtonnewzealand Constitution After 3 years, 8 drafts and three days of discussion at congress APGF delegates endorsed a new constitution. Here’s a timeline of the constitution’s development since the initiative began at the Global Greens 3rd Congress, held in Senegal in March 2012, when APGF Delegates agreed to register the APGN as a Federation. After researching and comparing incorporation options, the APGCC concluded that Australia is the preferred option. The constitution was a collaborative project refined through consultations with APGF Members, APGCC, Global Greens, Friends of the Global Greens, and a lawyer through skype calls, emails and countless hours weaving everyone’s feedback together! Thank you everyone for your many hands, minds and talents to create a constitution for the Federation of which we can all feel ownership and pride.
- 9. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 9 Resolutions 22 Resolutions were passed at the APGF 3rd Congress: 1. The Asia Pacific Greens Federation call on ASEAN to set measurable and meaningful targets for reducing emissions in their member countries. 1. We call on ASEAN to set measurable and meaningful targets for reducing emissions in member countries in order to contribute their fair share to limit global warming to 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. 2. We recognise the huge economic opportunities that come from implementing ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas pollution and the huge economic damage that will be inflicted on member countries from not taking action. 3. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) believes environmental sustainability can be achieved through more intraregional trade, and switching to LED lighting. ASEAN leaders call theirLED policy "ambitious commitment" to greening our community, the Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) say that it is "not good enough." 2. Abolition of the death penalty as a form of punishment 1. We demand that all nations immediately abolish the death penalty as a form of punishment 2. Greens parties and groups in our region campaign for an end to the death penalty 3. Asia Pacific Greens Federation calls for the smooth phase out of nuclear energy 1. Even after 4 years have passed since Fukushima, we recognize that the situation is still in serious danger and out of control; though Japanese government insists that it is “under control”. 2. Even though we have paid a whole lot more, some countries in our region seem not to have learned any lesson from the worstever nuclear disaster, operating existent nuclear power plants, planning to build new ones, mining uranium and exporting, and looking for inadequate places to dispose of nuclear wastes and so on, which means everything seems to be the same as before Fukushima. 3. Here in New Zealand we are meeting where there is no nuclear power or uranium mining. More than 70% of ongrid electricity is supplied from renewable energy and they stay out of nuclear cycle. We should learn from them.
- 10. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 10 4. APGF opposes the security bills of Japan to strengthen solidarity among the citizens aspiring for peace 1. The Japanese government is trying to radically change the longlasting peace constitution and policies right now, submitting a series of socalled “peace and security bills” to the national assembly which make it possible for the Japanese army to take military action in foreign wars. We are concerned that Japan is rushing to militarism and expansionism in a nationalistic way. 2. The constitution of Japan and its peace policies have functioned as a device for peace in our region. We must keep it not only for the Japanese people but also for all the people in the Asia Pacific region. 3. We must stop this tendency by cooperating together with Japanese people who aspire for peace. 5. Improve support for local initiatives 1. That the Global Greens and APGF continue to develop networking efforts between established Green parties 2. Support local groups to find a Green group that can assist with their local cause, and use international Green Party Networks to assist campaigns 3. Increase support and funding to facilitate this 6. Refugees and Human Rights 1. calls on all governments in the Asia Pacific region to respect the human rights of refugees and to uphold the terms of the UN refugee convention. This includes refugees internal to countries as well as external. 2. Calls on all countries in the region that have social and economic capacity to accept migrants to increase their intake of refugees for resettlement with full rights of residency in their communities 3. Pledges that Green parties from across the region will continue to work together to advocate and legislate for the human rights of refugees.
- 11. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 11 7. The APGF acknowledges the ongoing discrimination and violence against the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, and publicly supports the full democratic and human rights of all Sri Lankans. 1. Notes the ongoing violence against the Tamil community in Sri Lanka, and expresses our concerns about military presence in the North, self determination, land rights, and human rights abuses; 2. Notes the deadline of the twentyeighth session of the UNHRC for tabling of the report into human rights and accountability in the Sri Lankan civil war, and urges the timely release of this report; 3. Recognises the need for an international investigation into the Sri Lankan civil war, including allegations of genocide, human rights abuses, war crimes, and ongoing human rights abuses in Sri Lanka. 4. Condemns the inhumane treatment of asylum seekers, including Tamils, and call on international governments, in particular Australia, to uphold their obligations under international law. 8. This AGPF Conference 2015 calls for a commitment to gender equity and diversity in Parliaments across the Asia Pacific region to ensure that the Parliaments truly represent the diversity of the people 1. Gender equity and diversity is essential for a just and sustainable planet 2. Gender equity and diversity requires Parliaments to create specific policies and targets to ensure there is progress towards truly representational politics 3. The AGPF can assist progress by modelling gender equity and diversity in our own structures and processes.
- 12. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 12 9. That the APGF condemns Australian and New Zealand government's spying on the electronic communications of Pacific Island and Asian governments, as well as mass surveillance of the personal communication of the world’s citizens, and asks that it cease. 1. Governments and private citizens have the right to privacy in communications, which is guaranteed under the Vienna Convention. 2. The electronic spying by Australia and New Zealand (as part of the Five Eyes network) is part of an effort by the Five Eyes powers (the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) headed by the United States, to exercise disproportionate power in the world. 3. The factual situation, as shown in the Snowden documents, is that Australia and New Zealand have been conducting electronic spying on several Asia/Pacific countries. For Australia this includes Indonesia and Timor Leste. For New Zealand this includes India, Pakistan, Iran, Bangladesh, Burma, Vietnam, Korea, China, Tonga, the Solomons, Samoa, Nauru and Fiji. Some of the governments of these countries have publicly protested against the spying, after it was revealed from the Snowden documents. 4. As well as this, the Five Eyes Powers continues to conduct mass surveillance of the global populace without just cause or warrant. 5. The APGF determines to continue our strong opposition to mass surveillance. 10. This Conference of the AGPF 2015 recognises and supports the human rights and self determination of the people of West Papua as Melanesians and supports their bid for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group 1. We recognise the West Papuan struggle for self determination. The APGF requests that the Indonesian government have dialogue with West Papuan leaders. 2. We support their Pacific identity as Melanesians who must have a voice in Pacific leadership groups.
- 13. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 13 11. Climate change and the Paris negotiations This meeting of the Asia Pacific Greens Federation resolves that: 1. Individual countries must set ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets for post2020, consistent with constraining global warming to at least below 2 degrees 2. That these targets not be based on Business as Usual but transparent, scientifically robust measurement of emissions below a designated base year; 3. That the Paris Agreement be legally binding, ambitious and contain accountability measures; 4. That climate justice, particularly the rights of first peoples and local communities, be an integral part of the post2020 agreement, and that climate justice principles be applied in redoubling efforts to secure finance from developed countries for the Green Climate Fund; 5. That the role of cities and subnational governments in meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets globally be better recognised as a significant part of global reduction efforts; 6. That nuclear power generation be opposed as too slow, too dangerous and too expensive in the fight against global warming 12. Add everyone to GG and APGF mailing list 1. That everyone at this Congress be added to the mailing lists for Global Greens and APGF newsletters unless they opt out. 13. We demand fair election systems 1. Every country should have a fair election system, especially one in which the proportion of votes is equal to proportion of seats. 2. There should not be unfair thresholds for elections, especially a high deposit amount to prevent ordinary people’s chance of participation in elections. There should be ceiling cost for election and public finance for election. Moreover, every candidate should have fair chances to be known by the public and to express their policies.
- 14. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 14 14. Recognise climate change as a threat to national security and as a threat to the AsiaPacific region 1. Climate change is a cause of the formation of conflict zones, which have a profound effect on national security. 2. Extreme weather events, reduced land for agriculture due to the effects of desertification, increased fires and floods are posing serious threats to national security. Recognise climate change as a driving force for displacement of people in the AsiaPacific region. 15. Effective and substantive transparency and impact assessment measures for all trade negotiations 1. The APGF expresses its deep concern at the TransPacific Partnership Agreement, which has the potential to undermine the rights of citizens by putting at risk human rights, public health, the environment, climate, internet freedom, privacy, labour rights, food labelling and more. 2. Rejects any deal that would give multinational companies the rights to sue governments using dangerous InvestorState Dispute Settlement (ISDS) clauses. 3. Urges all TPP participating governments to make all TPP negotiation documents, agreed or under discussion, fully public. 4. Urge all TPP participating governments to reject any deal unless there is a thorough evaluation of the TPP’s impact on all aspects of society, including, but not limited to, economic, environmental, social and cultural. 5. Calls for all Asia Pacific governments to establish a credible, accountable and codified assessment mechanism on all impacts of current and future trade agreements and to make any such assessment mechanism publicly available. 16. Taiwan selfdetermination 1. Recognizing that Taiwan (Republic of China) is a sovereign nation, the Asia Pacific Greens Federation resolves to support Taiwan’s full participation in all international organisations. 2. Recognizing Taiwan’s efforts on crossstrait peace, China should respect the basic right of Taiwan's inhabitants’ to self determination, give up threat of force, remove its' missiles aimed at Taiwan, and halt economic, military, political, social, religious and other policies designed for the annexation of Taiwan. 3. The APGF resolves that all member parties will urge their respective governments to fully respect and support Taiwan’s sovereignty so as to enable Taiwan to fully participate in all international forums and organizations, including without limitation, the United Nations and its subsidiary organisations. 17. Separate church from politics The APGF asserts that all Iraqi people are equal regardless of the religion and political beliefs they follow.
- 15. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 15 18. Give back the land For indigenous people 1. That APGF asserts and affirms the rights of all indigenous people to culture, economy, land and self determination. 19. Complain and oversight mechanism at UN Habitat 1. The APGF endorses the mandate of UN Habitat and calls on them for full access to information, improving transparency and accountability. 20. APGF Statement on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) proposed for Mindanao Philippines 1. Urges the Philippine Government (GOP) to implement without delay the negotiated Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is part of the Peace Agreement negotiated and agreed between the GOP and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 2. This BBL, which provides for a semiautonomous region within Mindanao and nearby areas, has the potential to end the continual violent conflict between the GOP and various Islamic groups in Mindanao over the past 40 years. 3. It can bring peace with justice to all Christians, Muslims, and indigenous peoples living in the proposed semiautonomous areas, while providing inclusive government which protects the rights of all ethnic groups. 21. LGBTIQ Rights 1. We demand that “LGBTIQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning) Mainstreaming” be instituted at every level of government. All government agencies must, when formulating, implementing and evaluating all types of policies and services, take into consideration the situation and needs of the LGBTIQ community; the impact of such policies on the LGBTIQ community; and especially pay attention to whether resources are adequate and addressing intersectional discrimination. In consideration of the effectiveness of LGBTIQ Mainstreaming, LGBTIQ Mainstreaming should be planned and coordinated by a designated agency at an appropriately senior level. 2. We demand that in countries where samesex couples still cannot legally get married, marriage equality be actively promoted, in order to safeguard the rights of diverse family structures (including adoption rights). In addition, all levels of schools should implement LGBTIQ inclusive education. 3. Public departments should cooperate with LGBTIQ rights groups in order to develop localized antidiscriminatory policies and concrete methods to increase social acceptance. 22. Opposition to Uranium Mining in Mongolia 1. The APGF opposes uranium mining in Mongolia.
- 16. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 16 Elections APGF representatives to the Global Greens Coordination The election system used was SingleTransferable vote, Meek method, and the following six were elected: Keli Yen, Bob Hale, Yujin Lee, Liaquat Ali Sheikh, Ballav Timalsina, Suresh Nautiyal APGF Coordination Committee Delegates at congress agree that: The Congress authorises the Asia Pacific Greens Coordination Committee (APGCC) to implement this new constitution by ensuring that the Federation’s inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held within three months from the time when this constitution is approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The AGM will be in held in virtual system. The 2010 APGF Rules are therefore still in place until the transition is complete. Delegates therefore elect a new Coordination Committee. Each Full Member of the APGF put forward one candidate, nine are elected, and three are invited to join the Committee as Advisors; they are: 1. Bob Hale (Australian Greens) 2. Ade Indriani Zuchri (Serakat Hijau Indonesia) 3. Anita Nautiyal (Uttarkhand Parivartan Party) 4. Rickiya Adachi (Green Japan) 5. Yujin Lee (Green Party Korea) 6. Renchinbud Badrakh (Mongolian Green Party) 7. Ballav Timalsina (Nepali Greens) 8. Georgina Morrison (Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand) 9. Saima Gul (Pakistan Green Party) 10. Elias Labro (Partido Kalikasan) 11. Keli Yen (Taiwan Green Party) 12. (Civil Will Green Party)
- 17. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 17 Open Space Discussions Identity & Integrity as Asia Pacific Greens ● Convenor: Rikiya Adachi ● Discussion: ○ What do we have in common? ○ How do we describe ourselves in a few words? ○ What are our common goals? ○ The environmental circumstance of the Asia Pacific region: trade, people movement (tourists, workers and migrants), connectivity, intergovernmetnal bodies (ASEAN, East Asian summit, The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)), Geography & proximity ○ Green development network forward thinking ○ Green philosophy Future energy usage & carbon cost ● Convenors: Suresh & Liaquat Human Rights & SelfDetermination ● Convenor: Catherine Delahunty ● Discussion: Human Rights issues include: ○ West Papua ○ farmers and peasants rights ○ gender equality in parliament ○ rights of suppressed peoples ○ resource and landowner rights ○ spying by New Zealand and Australia on Pacific nations ○ Tamil genocide and selfdetermination ○ helping others on these issues ○ indigenous Australian’s rights ○ refugees ○ dynamic between colonizers and indigenous peoples ○ imperial power How to solve the language problem? ● Convenor: Yohei Miyake Gender within the APGF ● Convenor: Zane McCarthy ● Discussion: DiversityLGBTI, engaging diveristy, ethnicity/gender, barriers to female participation in politics, learning more about other countries, gender binary, and mechanisms to improve.
- 18. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 18 Attaining peace without violence ● Convenor: Datu Yuspoh Muhammad What Questions do candidates who want to win need to ask? ● Convenor: Robin Winkler Carbon Cost: how to capture the carbon ● Convenor: Marina Smith. Participants: Neil Duggan and Elizabeth Ure. ● Discussion: ○ at global level ○ at consumer level ○ as a cost, not a tax. As part of trading ○ How to implement: ■ bicycles. note that 10% of the bicycle’s CO2 cost is from manufacturing the gears and wheels. ■ trade agreements ■ no perverse incentives ■ how can we achieve agreement to implement it at the governmental level? Motivating and Enabling Human behavioural Change ● Convenor: Dr. Amanda Shea Hart ● Discussion: ○ Acknowledge our efforts and how it’s helping ○ Changing social norms: supporting /retrieving traditional norms ○ valuebased decisions & objectives ○ Redefining success to be based on community and individual genuine needs being met ○ Acknowledging adverse effects of commercialised lifestyle ○ demandside education to achieve supplyside minimum outcomes ○ Art is a social movement tool, including music, storytelling, movies and multifaceted elements. ○ Children learn to attach to and allow space for nature ○ Support for bonding between children and parents to enhance the individual and social ability to empathise ○ children can be motivators for change in adults ○ collectivism and leadership ○ being outspoken ○ holding politicians to account? Create an ombudsman of political promises.
- 19. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 19 Barriers to Green politics: ● Convenors: Solomon Islands & Papua New Guinea ● Discussion: ○ bribery ○ community vote buying: Chiefs deciding ○ husbands directing family vote (Solomons) ○ money and time for campaigning (Solomons) ○ women going to the city for capacity building but then not “owned” by the community ○ men being viewed as bread winners (Australia, Mongolia and New Zealand) ○ traditional culture of male leadership (Mongolia) ○ jealousy from other women (Solomons) ○ women are treated harshly (Australia and New Zealand) ○ women don’t want to stand if it degrades the quality of one’s parenting (New Zealand) ○ cost and availability of child care ○ burden of work while maintaining family ○ Solutions: ■ using networks for clothing, food, money fixing cars, etc. ■ Greens ask what are the barriers and how can remove them? ■ start planning and supporting from the prior election ■ contact other national MPs and Parties to ask for financial support ■ Solidarity fundraisers ■ buddy/mentors for emerging Green countries APGF Sustainability ● Convenor: Elise Klein. ● Discussion: APGF financial sustainability, including risk management and possible additional sources of funding from contributions from established parties around the Asia Pacific region.
- 20. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 20 Workshops The Global Greens: http://www.globalgreens.org ● Facilitator: Margaret Blakers, Global Greens Convenor ● This workshop started with a brief overview of the development of the Global Greens particularly since the 2001 Congress in Canberra Australia, then broke into three groups discussing resources, gender politics and future activities for the Global Greens. The next Global Greens Congress in Europe in early 2017 is a good focus for developing activities in our region and taking them global. Strengthening grassroots democracy ● Facilitator: Eugenie Sage MP ● Democracy is the first political action listed in the Global Greens Charter establishing that the Greens:1.1 Have as a priority the encouragement and support of grassroots movements and other organisations of civil society working for democratic, transparent and accountable government, at all levels from local to global.This workshop will explore how we shall realise this priority. ● Discussion questions: Why is democracy important to you? ● selfdetermination, mandate to impose authority ● power of the people ● without democracy, rights are curtailed e.g. freedom of expression What is the current state of grassroots democracy in your country? ● India have a democracy led from the grassroots, from the village level. People have the right to choose their candidates. ● Australia big money has the ability to significantly influence politics, Liberal and Labour so similar that effectively no choice. Positive elements have a system that allows smaller parties to be part of parliament, democracy depends on people making informed decisions and media is political propaganda for the conservative side of politics, real problem with local councils you don't know who you're voting for and what they stand for. ● Japan has democracy but not really because there is a really unfair election system, you have to pay a lot of money just to be a candidate, even as a city councillor. The government doesn't hear about citizen movements or activist movements, just the majority views. Education: democracy is not taught about so poor understanding. Not everyone can vote e.g. Koreans born and raised in Japan cannot vote. People don't know about this and about what democracy is and what it should be. If you don't know people from Korea, you don't know they don't have the right to vote.
- 21. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 21 ● Korea there is a law to prohibit public protests, many people are fined or imprisoned. At the community level, they try to raise their voices about environmental issues, but if they have a public protest they will be arrested, and the police use force to suppress public protest. The capitalist system also controls the political system. The ruling party is very conservative and they control many things including the media. The judicial system is not independent either. Big companies are very involved in corrupt systems. ● New Zealand we have a proportional system at parliament, and the Greens wouldn't be in parliament if we didn't have MMP. At local government level it's mostly first past the post. In Canterbury after the earthquakes emergency legislation has reduced democratic decision making. Under National a lot of power has been centralized in the Executive and there is more ministerial intervention in local govt. Much harder to take cases to the Environment Court. A lot of laws passed under urgency that should not have been passed without public submissions and debate. Police have arrested environmental activists arrested, eventually released but this an example of intimidation. Big debate about the role of spay agencies. We have the framework of democracy but under the current government it has been eroded. ● Philippines democracy is only a concept. It is ruled by the relations of dynasties. Bribery is present at all levels at the national level you need billions of pesos to run for office. ● Taiwan – history of democracy is still quite short, still under martial law until 1987. Faces same situation as Japan, it's very costly to participate. Some proportional representation but only at the central level, and not many seats. Corruption is present, local govt is bound very closely to big companies, harming agriculture and the environment. There is now some grassroots democracy building. Facing the threat from China, eg when considering a trade agreement have to doubt the political motivation behind the economic ambition. Grassroots democracy is blooming now, with the generation that has only known the democratic system. They are motivated to get better schools, sidewalks etc. and people mobilise to do this . Question is the situation in Hong Kong similar to Taiwan? Yes. People in Taiwan try to cooperate with people in Hong Kong. China tries to control the media, and guidelines in text books and the curriculum. Question is there a Green Party in Hong Kong? Not sure. ● Papua New Guinea it is a democratic country. Problem is people don't elect democratically, because money plays a major role. Even in parliament, we can get a Green MP in, but when he gets in he may join another party. You can't really vote freely. ● Solomon Islands 9 islands, many different cultures. Democratic country, national elections and provincial elections. Money influences outcomes. Development coalition for change is running the government at the moment. The Green Party is starting to come up now. What would strong democracy across the Asia Pacific region look like? ● Working together on specific issues, for example between Taiwan/Korea and Japan on nuclear issues.
- 22. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 22 ● Limiting the impacts of money on democracy eg ensure candidate deposit fees are low and affordable, limit large political donations, avoid the “revolving door” between politics and industry ● Proportional voting systems ● Voting systems where there is a low threshold to gain representation eg 1 %. ● No requirements for a large membership to be able to register a political party ● Separation of powers between Parliament, Executive and the Judiciary ● Free, unbiased media ● Growing democracy education ● Greater awareness of region wide democracy issues. ● Right to protest recognised/ freedom of expression and freedom of organisation. ● Voting system that gives the best/ fairest representation of the public’s views. ● A system that promotes stable, long term policies. ● High percentage of public engagement in the political process ● Freedom of speech and political assembly. ● High degree of cooperation. ● Principle and values based trade and diplomatic relations. ● Power and influence goes from the bottom/grassroots up. ● Local ownership of decisions ● Money does not have undue influence on political process What are some strategies for strengthening grassroots democracy across the AsiaPacific region?: ● Better communication between Green parties – establish a network committee in the Pacific region ● Strengthen the democratic rights of women, indigenous people and young people. ● Advocate for unbiased media and public service radio and TV ● Education – formal and informal. ● Protect and advocate for freedom of speech ● Focus on engaging youth. ● Use social media eg Facebook – all delegates to the Congress could “like” each other on Facebook to help spread the circulation of causes and ideas. ● Develop a website ● Candidates for office develop profiles early in their campaigns What are some key actions for strengthening grassroots democracy: ● Collect and be a platform for sharing & reporting on information about democracy in other countries. ● Share and provide operational support and information. ● Provide project funding for common causes. ● Develop local democracy training courses. ● Put other countries democratic rights “on the agenda” in our own countries e.g. in trade negotiations (make the agreement dependent on provision of democratic rights) ● Expose corruption in the First World
- 23. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 23 ● Networking ● Carbon cost accounting ● Localised economies including local currencies ● Establish a member and supporter database for each country and keep it up to date. ● Advocate for a establish Proportional voting systems ● Ensure voting systems have a low threshold to gain representation e.g. 1 %. ● Provide funding and support for smaller green parties How to build a Green party from the start ● Facilitator: Janet Rice, Australian Greens Senator ● Reflections on the critical stages of growth for the Australian Greens over the last two decades led to a discussion examining case studies and opportunities for the further growth of the Greens in various countries within the AsiaPacific region. ● The intended outcome was that through sharing of ideas, experiences and knowledge, individuals become inspired and energised to develop and implement strategies and mechanisms for the continued growth of the Greens. ● Discussion: Key factors to consider: ○ Structure of party, ○ Number of members, ○ Number of elected members, ○ Electoral system(s) being contested in particular focussing on what percentage of the vote do candidates need to be elected. ○ Communication successes with the public, and the ability to reach voters/new voters through social media, advertising, facetoface campaigning etc. ○ Internal harmony how successful has the party been in 'sticking together'. ○ Ability to raise funds to achieve your goals. Asia Pacific Greens political platform and strategic plan ● Facilitator: Dr. Stewart Jackson ● Workshop process: The mission statement was intended to go forward to the main plenary session on Strategic Planning. Results from that session are to go the new APGCC, when constituted under the new Constitution, to create a new Operational Plan. ● Draft Mission Statement “Building strong political Green influence within the Asia Pacific region, and globally” A separate proposal was also received from Shuji Imamoto (Greens Japan). It was considered when drafting the Mission Statement.
- 24. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 24 We Greens in the Asia Pacific will work widely spreading Green politics all over the region, as branch of the international Green political network. In putting such activities into practice, we Asia Pacific Greens will make all efforts to implement the following principles and political action, based on those of Global Greens Charter, so that we can characterise political priorities as well as clarify our action targets in the region Objectives: These objectives were discussed and collated as a series of issues/ideas to be covered within the Operational Plan, ● Support resources/info sharing globally not limited to Asia Pacific, eg, digital platforms, money etc. ● Coordinate identity ● Organise around: Issue base, campaign base, resource base, emerging parties ● Grow the network: support, education, influence. ● Communication (external & internal): secure platform, information exchange. ● Establish networks and working groups on youth, climate change ● Develop strategies for political action for the region ● Monitor and assist the development of Asia Pacific parties ● To extend the network to important areas where a Green presence is needed, eg China ● To develop support systems so that as a network we can work together on campaigns, particularly regional issues, and contribute to campaigns globally ● To educate members of Asia Pacific Greens on the programme in the Global Greens ● Effective communications ● Sharing resources and information ● Recognising all political parties begin as a movement and value supporting those movements ● Common campaign platforms ● Consider our entity and what the best entity is for us (Federation, network or other) ● To be of practical assistance to emerging Green Parties ● To help build capacity in emerging parties ● To provide endorsements for issues, parties or candidates ● To aid communication between members: “To see the whole” ● To ensure consistency and brand management between parties – “quality control” and alignment to the market ● To expand into other Asia Pacific countries ● Extend support to member countries for elections ● Facilitating a youth wing/network, local councillor groups, gender/women groups ● Create an APGF manifesto (what are the common interests and goals) ● Networks and working groups on specific topics (human rights, youth involvement etc) ● Equal partnership (but not united) for shared idea A separate proposal on key principles for strategy was received from Shuji Imamoto (Greens Japan), but was not broadly discussed, although it was agreed they were important.
- 25. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 25 1. Implement principles of “sustainable environment and development”, following the model of UN “Agenda 21”, particularly respecting “precautionary principles”; 2. Convert to a global ecological and sustainable economy From the concept of “unlimited economic growth” – in other words, pursue “public welfare society” as an alternative of “concurrencebased society”; 3. Emphasise social justice and communitybased economy based on subsidiary principle to compete with economic and financial globalisation; 4. Consequently persist on nonviolent, demilitarised conflict resolution; 5. Realise grassroots participatory democracy at all levels – regional, provincial, national and interregional. Work on abolishment of dictatorship or political oligopoly and seek for “the greatest happiness of the greatest number” in our society; 6. Incarnate politics that prioritises gender and minority rights as well as accept human diversity in lifestyle and life values. Party building strategies and practices ● Facilitator: Julie Anne Genter MP Nuclear: nuclear weapons, nuclear energy technology & uranium mining ● Description: Panel discussion on each topic followed by open discussion. ○ Nuclear Weapon, leaded by Australian Greens ○ Nuclear Energy Technology, Greens Japan, ○ Uranium Mining, Mongolian Green party, ● Intended Outcomes: Declaration to people of Asia and Pacific ● Facilitation Process: Opening by the facilitators and give small speech for 5 minutes, than moderate the 3 issues, and last 10 minutes for outcome of workshop, formulate the declaration for approving from participants of workshop. ● Facilitators: Boum Yalagch Olzod (Mongolian Green Party Chairperson), Rikiya Adachi (Greens Japan, Australian Greens
- 26. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 26 Communicating about the Climate and the Roadmap to Paris ● Description: This workshop will outline the roadmap to Paris and the key roles that the Greens can play at COP21 in November and before. It will cover: ● Facilitators: Christine Milne, Australian Greens MP & Russel Norman, New Zealand Green MP ● Discussion on capacity building goals: ○ Have a Green party in every country of the Asia Pacific ○ Effective communication between Green parties in the region ○ capacity within the APGF to support local struggles ○ strong Green leaders having opportunity to visit other countries ○ Campaigning on a common platform ○ Promoting an international Green agenda on global issues such as climate change, refugees, LGTBI ○ Operate at two levels: 1) global/regional issues, 2) countryspecific context ○ Have a coordinated voice at regional fora, regional trade agreements, etc. ○ Share local and international best practices ○ Have fair trade agreements ○ Develop funds to support parties ○ Share people resources ○ Have ambassadors from APGF come travel internationally to raise awareness about the Global Green movement. ○ Bring independent candidates together on a Green platform ○ Have an exchange program ○ Make the most of existing parliamentary delegations to increase international understanding of local contexts ○ Improve use of communication technology such as online skype conversations to include a virtual presence at congress ○ 2017 elections will be held in Uttarkhand province ○ Have a calendar of elections (ie, available at: http://www.electionguide.org/elections) ○ Have a database of requirements for registration (asiapacificgreens.org/manuals/modelrulesgreenparties/step3registergreenparty) ○ Have mechanisms for bringing individuals into the Green umbrella ○ Prioritise where to focus resources ○ Provide workshops with visiting Green politicians and members ○ Elected MPs have connections, personnel support, skill sharing between members ○ Provide funds for basic costs like printing and fuel ○ Have a system of internships and mentors ○ Promote celebrity champions Fundraising the building blocks ● Facilitator: Sonja Deely, Funding Development Manager at Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand ● Description: There is no magic key to fundraising. instead we will focus on practical solutions to issues and challenges when fundraising.
- 27. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 27 1. One major issue is actually asking for money and all that entails; so let's break down the barriers. 2. a very successful model for getting support is pledge sessions. Learn how to run them and maximise your income. 3. workshop one or two real fundraising issues facing some of our Green parties in the Asia Pacific region. Let's share our expertise and local experience to provide a viable solution to these challenges. ● The Fundraising workshop presentations are available at: ○ https://www.asiapacificgreens.org/fundraising ○ https://www.asiapacificgreens.org/workshopreports The Power of Local Government ● Description: This workshop will provide a platform for participants to share their local government campaigning, election and representation experiences, as well as the success stories that have resulted from Greens representation in local governments. Participants are encouraged to bring their stories of local government campaigning, election and representation. ● Facilitator: Janet Rice, Australian Greens Senator for Victoria, (Former Councillor and Mayor, City of Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Australia) ● Intended Outcomes: It is hoped that through the sharing of knowledge and information on the challenges and successes of local government representation, that individuals are encouraged and inspired to stand for local government and to make the most of their representation once elected. Discussion: Things local governments do! ○ Climate & energy: ■ developing a future energy strategy (ex: Hawkes Bay regional council), ■ develop carbon neutral action plans (ex: Queenscliff & Victoria, Australia) ■ Lending kilowat/hour meters to houses and give each the results (ex: Kyoto, Japan) ■ instal solar panels on council buildings (Victoria, Australia) ○ Waste Management: ■ develop modern landfills (ex: Central Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) ■ Provisions of landfill, green waste & recycling bins provided by the council to encourage sensible waste management by people (ex: Christchurch, New Zealand) ○ Constituent help connecting people with services and resources: ■ Organisation of relief after a natural disaster such as flood (ex; Dunedin city council, New Zealand) ■ Help people navigate the bureaucracy, especially planning (ex: Yarra, Australia) ■ support refugees in the community ○ Environmental management: ■ hire sustainability officers (ex: Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia) ■ Achieve being the first carbon neutral council in Victoria, Australia (ex; Yarra, Australia) ■ Ban mining (ex; Southern Downs, regional council, Queensland, Australia) ■ Invest in biodiversity and pest control (ex: Canterbury regional council, New Zealand)
- 28. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 28 ■ Clean up Christchurch air pollution from households (Canterbury regional council, NZ) ■ reinstate monitoring on CSG mining (ex: Victoria, Australia) ○ Economic Development ■ Cycle ways ○ Community infrastructure ■ saved heritage town hall from demolition through a community campaign (ex: Christchurch city council, New Zealand) ■ Library = a living room of the city. The library is the top rated facility in Palmerston north, New Zealand. ■ Advocated for schools to be built when community needed them, not just when they are next on the state government list (ex: Wyndham, Victoria, Australia) ○ As a business and good corporate citizen: ■ divestment from funds linked to fossil fuels (Ex: Dunedin city council, New Zealand) ■ get sustainability criteria included in all tenders for contracts (ex: Yarra, Australia) ○ Advocacy and resourcing of community campaigns: ■ support federal Greens initiatives such as TPPA campaign (Yarra, Australia) ■ amalgamation debate (Napier city council, New Zealand) ■ supporting community campaigns to defeat massive polluting tollway (Victoria, Australia) ■ lobby to save heritage site (ex: Australia) ○ Community engagement and development for social cohesion: ■ introduce reconciliation committee (ex; Queenscliff, Vic, Australia) ○ Transport planning: ■ installed a $120 million new cycleway project (ex:Christchurch city council, New Zealand) ■ get allocation from budget for bicycle infrastructure (ex; Yarra, Australia) ■ develop a new pedestrian crossing on busy main road between shops and beach (ex: Queenscliff, Vic, Australia) ■ Tripled cycling budget and developed city wide cycle lane plan (Wellington city council, NZ) ■ support current bus routes and try to expand (Horizons regional council) ■ develop public transport bothi n city and rural area to reduce the use of private vehicle use. ○ Ways of working in alliance with other local governments and building upon prior achievements) ■ rely on the four pillars the the Greens core values to make decisions balancing tricity and complex factors (ex: Yarra, Vic, Australia) ■ Putting environmental issues on the ground, and ensuring action groups turnup to relevant council meetings, write submissions, etc.) ■ work in alliance with other councils (ex: metro transport as in Melbourne, Australia) ■ joint procurement ■ encouraging community participation
- 29. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 29 ○ Strategic planning: ■ greater public input into 10 year plans (ex: Hawkes Bay regional council, New Zealand) ■ introduce community involvement into rewriting our planning scheme (ex: Yarra, Australia) ■ putting the brakes on residential growth being pushed by the state (Victoria, Australia) ○ Land use planning ■ possum control (ex: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand) ■ allowing freerange poultry on small properties (Victoria, Australia) ■ protecting enough farmland in case of over developing ■ develop public transportation in support of local economies. Pacific Network ● Facilitator: Denise Roche, New Zealand Greens MP ● Description: Discussion on how to continue developmenting Green parties in the Pacific region. What structures and actions are needed over the next few years? ○ Common Issues: Climate change, colonisation, gender issues, grasshopping ● Outcomes: Greater support is needed: ○ for advancing and representing indigenous people’s rights internationally ○ each country’s Green delegates being invited to & visiting indigenous communities ○ from wealthier communities to emerging Green parties ○ to experience the emerging parties of island nations first hand. ○ for networking across the pacific region, including using existing networks ○ for a focused and tailored approach which may be unique from the APGF’s current style of engagement with other APGF members ○ .communication across compatible campaigns ○ to build awareness about the Greens being a global movement ○ to understand what indigenous people are experiencing. This is not seen enough inside Green parties. ○ for outreaching and encouraging to Pacific nations’ Green networks ○ to include Greenminded MPs from the Pacific in the Global Green & APGF Gender Equality ● Facilitator: Jan Logie MP ● Description: Respect for Diversity is a core Green value. The Global Greens Charter recognises that to "promote the building of respectful, positive and responsible relationships across lines of division in the spirit of a multicultural society requires equality between women and men in all spheres of social, economic, political and cultural life." This is one of the reasons why Green Parties prioritise gender equality throughout our organisation.
- 30. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 30 Green Growth ● Description: A reflection on the historical growth of the party in Australia, the key moments in that journey and the challenge of continuing that growth into the future. ● Intended Outcomes: An understanding of how to make the most of political opportunities, how to overcome the barriers to growth and to connect with new audiences in a meaningful way. ● Facilitation Process: Richard will present on the Australian experience and then facilitate a workshop on the experience of other Greens parties. Depending on numbers, breakout groups may be required. ● Participant preparation: Ideally participants will contemplate how they have succeeded in growing the party in their country and the barriers that have prevented growth. ● Facilitator: Richard di Natale, Australian Green Senator Engaging noncitizens in the Greens political movement ● Facilitator: Dr Silvia Lozeva ● Intended outcomes: To build knowledge of the global environmental citizenship, recognize the differences in political citizenship, sense of belonging and civic activism. ● Facilitation process: ○ 1. Deconstruct the notion of a “migrant” – workshop of about 15 minutes to define in groups who consider themselves a migrant a why? ○ 2. Explore the notion of “who is a citizen” and why? ○ 3. Identify problems in engaging noncitizens in formal decisionmaking ○ 4. Presentation of the three key elements of environmental activism: connectedness, territory and space ○ 4. Case study from Western Australia in involving noncitizens ○ 5. What can you do? Australian Political Parties for Democracy Program Accessing funding grants ● Description: Overview of who AGIDC (The Australian Greens International Development Committee) are, what they do and how they manage grant funds. ● Intended Outcome: To provide APGF members and potential members with an understanding of the funding opportunities available to them and how to access that funding. ● Process: ○ 1. Overview presentation introducing who we are, what we do, how we work. ○ 2. Discussion on what parties are trying to do in the region. ○ 3. Interactive planning simulation and sharing of a successful case study. ● Facilitators: Lucy Quarterman & Dr. Elise Klein, AGIDC Members
- 31. Asia Pacific Greens Federation (APGF) 3rd Congress, Wellington, New Zealand 31 Green institutes: a parallel or inherent program of the APGF? ● Facilitators: Elias Labro & Guia Limpin, Greens PH delegates Description: The significance of forming a parallel Greens Institute or constituting a Training and Organizing Committee as a mechanism for implementing a multidisciplinary capacity building program for party builders will be the focal of discussion. The workshop design is an interactive process that will analyze the interventions needed by the APGF in addressing the issues of strengthening the emerging parties and building the parties in the region. This will enable the creation of a strategic program within or parallel to the present structure of the APGF. The process is intended to identify the common situations and the unique conditions for each party. ● Process: Module I: Contextualization Discussion Group (30 mins) ○ a) the Local Situation: How we organize our own party? ○ a.1) the present political & social conditions as the basis? ○ a.2) the process that we undertake? ○ a.3) what are we expecting from the APGF in addressing the issues of party building and strengthening? ○ a.4) what mechanism will meet our Training and Organizing needs? (example: Parallel Green Institute or an Internal program within the APGF?) Module II: Effective Mechanism (30 mins) ○ b) who should be in the proposed “group" ○ c) what shall be the frequency of “online meetings” and physical meetings? ○ d) what are the funding requirements? ○ e) Test case project? ○ f) the Training design? ○ Module III: Synthesis and Consolidation (30 mins) ● Intended Outcome: To develop a mechanism for a Training and Organizing Program for assisting emerging parties in: ● Preparation and Conceptualization of a Training Design on Party Building (Process, Principles and Methodologies) ○ preparation of a customized training design based on local conditions and indigenous practices visàvis organizing strategy; ○ Consolidation of research materials, best practices of party building, experiences and serving as a data bank system for the purposes stipulated; ○ Facilitation of interparty exchanges and internship programs with other parties who are in power; ○ Conducting Annual Training and Organizing Conferences; and ○ Conducting a practical TrainingOrganizing Program AsiaPacific Young Greens Network ● Facilitators: Oscar Coleman (Australian Greens)