(linked from: http://ylcjlcclimate.wordpress.com/2010/12/02/perfect-is-the-enemy-of-good) 

Yesterday I attended a briefing by the UNFCCC secretariat, which was given by Executive Secretariat Christina Figueres. Ms. Figueres made it clear that our briefing would be more of a conversation, and she would be talking frankly, which I both liked, and do hope that all meetings would be conducted in such manner. When the question “what do you think will happen/want to happen at COP16?” was asked to Christina she was very honest with her answer stating that “perfect is the enemy of good.” She was referring that aiming towards perfection or a perfect agreement would not get us far, and that rigid expectations that aim too high without being holistic would probably ruin any work that was or is being done.

Another reference Ms. Figueres made was that one cannot build without a foundation, and this should be the foundation that we start. If we build something without a foundation we would be lucky if it lasts for a day or two. What we need to do is have a solid foundation that we can build something that is grounded, solid and realistic; aiming for what is beyond reach is admirable but flexibility is crucial for success.  Taking one step at a time on that strong foundation with great ideas, great commitment and some flexibility will help keep us on the right path and right track and eventually an agreement that works for everybody and respects our environment and the coming generations.

Being hasty and vocally aiming for a perfect agreement without a solid foundation and lacking a plan is in essence our enemy making the perfect indeed the enemy of a good outcome for COP16; and hearing that message from the Executive Secretariat does really make one think that we need to be realistic and aim for something achievable instead of being rigid and losing both a good agreement that works for all as well as losing confidence to actually affect and effect the negotiations and the outcomes.

Fadi El Masry, IFLRY and YLC Climate Change Conference Delegate 2009, 2010