Almedalen Week is an unusual combination of political summit and public rally, which takes place in an informal inclusive atmosphere of dialogue, openness and accessibility. Indeed, activities and seminars are open to the public and it gives a unique opportunity to the public to meet and exchange with parliamentary political parties which lie at the heart of Almedalen Week. Almedalen Week has been taking place for over 40 years. It originated in the speeches held by Olof Palme from a lorry trailer in Almedalen Park during the summer of 1968 and then every year. The political speeches of the early days have developed into a highly significant week, a meeting place for politics where crucial issues are addressed.
Road to Copenhagen which is about giving people, business and civil society groups a voice in the negotiations on a post-2012 climate agreement has therefore a key role to play in Almedalen.

This year, our three distinguished co-chairs will present issues identified as key if we are to manage the challenges of climate change, i.e. climate justice, the leadership role of developed countries, and the opportunity of the economic crisis. Look at the Agenda.

Look at the film of the Almadalen Seminar. It has been developed by the University of Gotland.

The objective of CC9 is to contribute to the conclusion of a fair climate agreement by advancing the potential of green technology and adequate funding. Investing in the development and diffusion of green technologies and renewable energy is a sustainable way to stimulate the economy and create new jobs - sustainable economic growth that can reinforce efforts to combat climate change while respecting development needs.

The conference took place on 4 and 5 June at Hafslund Manor in Sarpsborg, Norway.

CC9 concludes with urgent appeal for climate justice.
Climate change is and will continue to cause a humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed in the context of the post-2012 agreement to be negotiated in Copenhagen this coming December.
To ensure climate justice, it is imperative that any outcome and actions to be agreed under the new agreement shall be underpinned by fairness and universally acknowledged human rights standards. Negotiators must endorse the most ambitious targets and commit immediately to the mid-term goals. These words of warning marked the conclusion of the two-day Climate Conference 2009 (CC9). Read the CC9 Key messages.In an official video message which was screened during the opening ceremony Margot Wallström addressed participants and encouraged their contributions to the ‘Road to Copenhagen’ initiative. To hear her message, please go on http://www.cc9.no/index.asp?artikkelid=1948. Visit www.cc9.no for more information.