The Environment and Science Diplomacy: Past, Present and Future panel, co鈥慼osted by the 海角社区 Bieler School of Environment and Women in Science Diplomacy Canada (WiSDAC), delivered a compelling evening of discussion that highlighted both the complexity and the human element behind global environmental negotiations.
Panellists underscored the importance of evidence鈥慴ased decision鈥憁aking and the often鈥憉nseen work that shapes international agreements.
Tina Birmpili, Chief Officer of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, noted that productive diplomacy starts with identifying and addressing underlying issues before meaningful dialogue can occur.
"It is in identifying underlying pain points with member states and in working out those issues for true diplomacy to begin," she said.
Moderator Nadia Sohier Zaman, Deputy Director and Senior Adviser with the Canadian Government, added perspective on what she described as 鈥渂ackdoor diplomacy,鈥� emphasizing that breakthroughs frequently emerge informally 鈥� over a beer, a meal or a quiet conversation away from formal meeting rooms. These moments, she suggested, allow negotiators to build trust and find common ground that may not surface during structured sessions. These relationship building moments, Zaman said, will be integral to future diplomatic discussions.
Audience members were left with a pointed question: What kind of diplomacy do they want to practise, and how might their own everyday efforts help strengthen environmental protection and build stronger international relationships?
The evening concluded with a networking reception, reinforcing a central theme of the event: diplomacy advances when people connect openly and authentically.