Why I Am Joining COP 29: A Personal Mission for Youth-Centered Climate Action

In a few days, I will head to Baku, Azerbaijan, the birthplace of the oil industry, where the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP 29) will take place. This event will bring together world leaders, negotiators, scientists, and various stakeholders to advance global efforts in addressing climate change. The famous traveler Marco Polo noted the abundance of oil in the region during his travels in the 13th century, describing a spring from which oil gushed in such quantities that it could fill a hundred ships. Hosting COP 29 in Baku, a country with a rich history in the oil industry, underscores the critical intersection of energy and climate policy. As the birthplace of the modern oil industry, Baku symbolizes both the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a sustainable future.

The decisions made at COP 29 will directly influence whether future generations inherit a world of abundance or one plagued by scarcity. It is essential that the voices of youth and children’s aspirations are woven into this critical dialogue, as they stand to face the consequences of our actions today. As the Country Director for ChildFund in Sri Lanka, my upcoming participation in COP 29 as a national delegate holds significant importance for advocating youth-centered climate action.

COP is a multifaceted negotiation platform that extends beyond carbon emissions. It involves a complex web of global issues, including economic interests, geopolitical power dynamics, trade, healthcare, and international aid. Countries often engage in intricate bargaining, where commitments to reducing emissions are balanced against other strategic interests, such as lifting trade restrictions or securing financial assistance. This broad scope of negotiations reflects the interconnected nature of climate action and the diverse priorities of participating nations. By participating in this high-stakes game, I aim to enhance the voices of young generation, ensuring that their needs and creative solutions are not overlooked amid these negotiations. I hope to inspire discussions that not only acknowledge the climate crisis but also empower young people to take active roles in driving resilience and sustainability in their communities. Together, we can push for a future that prioritizes the rights and well-being of children and youth while addressing the global challenges of climate change.

The effectiveness of COP is often contested due to several reasons. There are gaps between the ambitious targets set and the actual implementation of policies. Political and economic interests can hinder consensus, and the lack of binding enforcement mechanisms can undermine accountability. Additionally, disagreements over climate finance can create tensions between developed and developing nations.

Despite these challenges, maintaining hope and support for collaborative dialogues like COP 29 is crucial. COP 29 provides a unique global platform for almost every country to come together and discuss climate action. It facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and technological innovations, which can accelerate solutions to combat climate change. While progress may be slow and incremental, each COP builds on the previous ones, gradually moving the world closer to achieving climate goals. By supporting and participating in COP 29, we can continue to push for stronger climate action, foster international cooperation, and work towards a sustainable future. COP 29 provides a unique opportunity to network with other organizations, governments, and stakeholders. This can lead to valuable partnerships and collaborations that enhance ChildFund’s impact on climate action and resilience-building.