More than 22,000 politicians, officials, reporters and NGO’s entered the doors at Bella Center during the 13-day climate change conference COP 15 in December. This makes COP15 the absolutely largest event ever held in Bella Center – and in Copenhagen.
The Climate Change Conference, COP 15, has unconditionally been the biggest Bella Center has ever experienced. And the biggest the UN has experienced.
The UN accredited more than 45,000 delegates, NGOs and reporters. With the decision to have, at the most, 15,000 people inside and the enormous interest from outside, the system broke down so the queues outside Bella Center became far too long.
On behalf of the UN Yvo de Boer, Head of the UNFCCC, has apologised for this and has taken on the full responsibility. Watch his honest and direct annoncement on the BBC
“Seen from the Danes’ and Bella Center’s points of view, the long queues have also been the only practical thing that did not function,” says a very satisfied Director of Bella Center, Arne Bang Mikkelsen.
“Inside, the execution of the summit conference has been a fantastic experience. Servicing 11,000 to 15,000 guests around the clock has been an enormous task and I am really proud that we and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been able to deliver. It has created respect out in the world,” says Arne Bang Mikkelsen.
- Between 11,000 -15,000 guests have gone through 23 scanners every day. Added to this were 500 -1,000 police officers, UN officers and security staff.
- Almost 300 tons food has been consumed – from fish and poultry to fruit, sandwiches and vegetables.
- 107,889 meals have been eaten – including vegetarian dishes. In addition, 20,057 sandwiches and 8,127 open sandwiches.
- And everyone’s “sweet tooth” was also taken care of with 14,779 cakes and cookies.
- 350,000 glasses of water – Danish tap water! – have been consumed and 250,000 cups of coffee.
- In the busiest days, there have been almost 100 chefs at work.
- With 5,500 new computer workstations and up to 8,000 laptops, the Internet has been under pressure. The connection had been expanded to 6 gigabit. If you had a connection like this at home, you would be able to download a DVD film in about six seconds.
- 400 mobile phones were hired out and 200 mobile phones were sold. In addition, 1,750 start packs with SIM cards and 2,300 prepaid phone cards were sold.
- Three days before the conclusion of the summit Bella Center was asked to establish 38 extra meeting rooms – for the USA and China, among others. The meeting rooms where build and furnish in record time.
