Before leaving home for the COP17 climate talks, my climate advisor, environmental journalist Alanna Mitchell declared, “It will be like going into the epicentre of an earthquake before it happens, knowing that you might be able to do something to prevent it.”

The President of COP17, Her Excellency Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane is bringing African wisdom to her leadership in these negotiations. This represents a tremendous opportunity for the global community.

During yesterday morning’s briefing, Canada’s Climate Ambassador Guy St- Jacques explained that Her Excellency has invited nations into an Indaba – a gathering of the chiefs, where, as I understand it, each voice is honoured and equal.