Going Before the UN: We Z New York, Again 

This May, the Appalachian Coalfield Delegation will again testify before the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. The commission is hosting its "Policy Year" focusing on energy for sustainable development.

This is the group’s second visit to the UN in New York City. Last year, the Appalachian Delegation – 10 coalfield residents from West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee – participated in the "Review Year" on energy for sustainable development.

They addressed the UN Commission on Sustainable Development through meetings with the Civil Society Caucus. The Appalachian Delegation met and strategized with grassroots people directly affected by energy development from regions across the globe.  They had a meeting with officials from the US State and Energy Departments. 

The 2007 delegation has already held two meetings to plan for their May trip, one in Tennessee last October and one in Kentucky in January. This year’s delegation will be 20 people from eight different organizations in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and Ohio.  Delegates are organizing fundraisers, media events, and meetings with global allies.  They aim to raise awareness of the injustices of the coal industry and to bring the perspective of impacted communities to the decision makers in the United Nations.

This is why the Commission on Sustainable Development was created – for people at the grassroots to represent themselves when their governments are falling short of the task.

"We are just trying to save our community and our heritage," said Chuck Nelson, a volunteer organizer with OVEC.

When asked why he would attend the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, Pete Ramey of the Virginia-based organization, Southern Appalachian Mountain Stewards said, "These issues go worldwide. I want to incorporate with all small groups that are interested in what we are fighting for.  We don’t have forever.  And we do not have to sacrifice our health and safety for the economy."

"People such as us have very little, if any, influence on the process at this time, but I do think that can be changed if we are willing to be bold enough to change it. I am certain that change starts with NGO’s (non-government organizations) united and determined to change the format. Instead of the talking heads in the big conference rooms filling us with the corporate talk of how great they are, they need to hear from real people who pay the real sacrifices for their profits," said Bo Webb, a board member of Coal River Mountain Watch.

The Appalachian Coalfield Delegation is paving the way for how grassroots groups are to participate in governmental decision making. They are also making connections and sharing resources that are strengthening our local campaigns.

Please support this year’s delegation.  

A 15-seat van has already been donated for the trip.  We need more donations of gas cards and one more van. Donations are also being accepted for food and lodging in New York. Thank you to everyone who made last year’s delegation a reality.