2023 Equator Prize: Community Dialogues and Training

The Equator Initiative Community Dialogues offer a vibrant platform for Indigenous and local leaders from Equator Prize-winning organizations to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and collaborate on sustainable environmental management. These sessions are designed for participants to enhance their leadership skills, promote their nature-based solutions, and amplify their voices in national and international policy processes.

In early October 2023, 31 representatives from the 2023 Equator Prize-winning initiatives convened virtually for a series of Community Dialogues and Training sessions organized by the UNDP Equator Initiative. Over five days, participants engaged in discussions, shared innovative projects, addressed common challenges, received communication training, and developed a unified community statement.

Day 1: Welcome and Setting the Stage

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Anna Giulia Medri, Equator Initiative’s Team Lead and Partnerships Advisor. The opening session highlighted the winners' inspiring projects and set the stage for the days ahead. Participants were briefed on upcoming milestones, including the Nature for Life Hub and the Equator Prize Award Ceremony, and received a comprehensive overview of the UNDP Equator Initiative and its mission.

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Day 2: Mastering Communications

Day 2 was all about honing storytelling and communication skills. Led by UNDP Program Advisor Diego Ochoa, participants engaged in hands-on exercises to master the art of storytelling, deliver elevator pitches, and sharpen presentation techniques. The focus was on helping these leaders effectively share their organizations' missions and challenges. Through interactive sessions, participants practiced delivering concise, impactful messages aimed at raising their initiatives to the global stage.

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Day 3: Storytelling in Action

Building on previous lessons, participants submitted short videos of their elevator pitches, which were collectively reviewed for constructive feedback. The latter part of the day was led by Jamison Ervin, Manager of UNDP’s Global Programme on Nature for Development, who introduced the concept of a Community Statement—a collective declaration from all 2023 Equator Prize winners. Participants collaborated in groups to discuss global challenges and craft key messages aimed at world leaders..

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 Day 4: Crafting the Community Statement

On Day 4, participants put the finishing touches on their Community Statement. Jamison Ervin presented a working draft that underscored the role of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in climate action, and the urgent need for stronger legal protections and better resource allocation. The discussions of the day focused on enforcing existing environmental laws, advocating for equitable partnerships between communities and businesses, and reinforcing the importance of community-led solutions.

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 Day 5: Exploring Nature for Development Support Programs

The final day showcased the extensive support available to Equator Prize winners through UNDP’s Nature for Development Programme and beyond. Presentations explored a range of resources, including learning platforms, spatial planning tools, and support systems designed to empower community-led conservation efforts. The session highlighted the long-term impact these resources can have on bolstering the environmental initiatives led by Indigenous and local communities.

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