Helen Clark's Diary, June
ENERGY TRANSITION
EITI’s global conference, “Transparency in transition”.
This month, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) held its Global Conference with the focus on its updated Standard and the range of issues impacting on extractive sector governance, not least the governance risks around the energy transition which is covered in the Standard for the first time. Go to EITI’s website for more conference highlights.
Youth health & wellbeing
“Nothing about us without us” - the 1point8 billion campaign
I spoke at a youth event in Delhi this month - Raahgiri Day which highlighted the #1point8billion campaign. This is a major initiative of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health which I chair. The campaign seeks to give voice to afolescents and youth on their priorities for health and wellbeing. The PMNCH website has lots of information about the campaign which culminates in the Global Forum for Adolescents in October. See details here.
Women in leadership
Global Women Leaders Summit 2023
I was at the Global Women Leaders Summit in Bellagio, Italy, this month. Thank you to The Rockefeller Foundation, Bellagio Center and Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security for connecting an inspiring and committed group of women trailblazers. In Bellagio, we developed action plans to build inclusive economies, fight climate change, and advance women’s political leadership. Check out The Rockefeller Foundation’s press release for more details.
Climate action
On current climate change projections, two-thirds of the glaciers in the Hindu Kush - Himalaya region will be gone in 70 years. The consequences are dire for the region’s 240 million people and for the two billion downstream. See my op ed in The Times (please, note this article is paywalled).
THE HIMALAYAN TREK
Check out snapshots of our remarkable trek in Solukhumbu region. Celebrating the first ascent of Mount Everest by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay 70 year ago with the Himalayan Trust.
Beginning of the trip
At the beginning of our trip to Nepal, we loved our stay in Pokhara. At around 1100 metres, we enjoyed birdwatching, trekking, and the beautiful views over the Annapurna range.
I was in Lukla, Nepal, in May, where statues of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were unveiled as part of the celebrations of the seventieth anniversary of the first ascent of Everest on 29 May.
Everest 70 celebrations
I took part in moving celebrations of Everest 70 in Khumjung Nepal🇳🇵where Peter Hillary, Chair of the Himalayan Trust, and Jamling Tenzing also officiated at the opening of the Sir Edmond Hillary Visitor Centre at the school Ed built in 1961. Our trekking group from the New Zealand Himalayan Trust received wonderful hospitality from local communities and the Himalayan Trust Nepal.
The new visitor centre in Khumjung celebrates not only the first ascent of Everest by Ed Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on 29 May 1953, but also the ongoing legacy of Ed’s work with and for the Sherpa people of the Solukhumbu region where he built schools and hospitals, set up water projects, and supported reforestation and the establishment of the Sagarmatha National Park. It was a privilege to walk in his footsteps there again.
To support the ongoing work of the NZ Himalayan Trust in the region, go to their website.
Culture
Loved the National Theatre production of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" at Gielgud Theatre in London. Don't miss this stunning performance of this classic if you are in the vicinity. It was timely in 1953 in the era of McCarthyism, and remains relevant now. Check out the write up in Time Out London.
NEW ZEALAND
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visits China
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has just led a large trade delegation to China. This will be the first PM-led delegation since 2019 before the pandemic. He described the relationship with China as among New Zealand's most "significant, wideranging, and complex". It’s good therefore that it is getting the highest level attention. Check out Stuff for more. There is now lots of coverage of the Prime Minister’s successful mission; see this from One News.
RNZ digital content scandal
Thorough analysis of RNZ digital content scandal: "Even the ordering of words – which perspective is mentioned first, where and how much surrounding context is included – privileges one voice above another". Stories were systematically altered by staffer. Stuff has more on the story.
THE LATEST FROM THE HELEN CLARK FOUNDATION
‘A Fair Chance for All’ report
"A future without persistent disadvantage is within our grasp" but for now "a fair chance remains an illusory concept for many in Aotearoa New Zealand". An impassioned and sobering launch of the A Fair Chance for All report by New Zealand Productivity Commission on 20 June. The Helen Clark Foundation contributed to this work via our Gains for Everyone report on inclusive growth.”
‘The Te Ara Oranga’ programme shows results
“The Te Ara Oranga programme has been proven to reduce harm to people who use meth and their family/whanau. Recent New Zealand Drug Foundation and The Helen Clark Foundation report recommends rolling programme out nationwide ASAP. It’s received wide support including from both major parties.”
Congestion charging in cities
The recent Helen Clark Foundation report on congestion charging concluded that it could contribute to reducing air pollution, easing traffic congestion, and lowering carbon emissions. It also said that there must be effective public transport options that work. Check out this News Room article on how the Swedish model of congestion charging could be adapted for NZ cities.