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I have had the unique privilege of attending COP conferences for the past four years. Each year, I have been forced to confront where I stand, identify the groups I am most inspired by, and reevaluate how I can propel climate action in my career. Four years since my first COP, I am now on the other side, helping newcomers navigate their path, thanks to the generous support of the . 

When I tell others that I have been to COP four times, this often sparks surprise. But youth groups have been following this space for a long time. The official youth constituency, , was formed in 2009 and confirmed by the UNFCCC in 2017. Youth under the age of 35 are coordinated in their mobilization, kicking off each day with a spokes meeting for the constituency, followed by dedicated note-takers following key meetings and negotiations, and even holding our own pavilion in the blue zone. These measures become more institutionalized each year, with the annual and ahead of the COPs as well as the establishment of the last year in the UAE. This year, I also saw an astounding number of children represented in the blue zone, a testament to the commitment of guardians and institutional backers like UNICEF. 

Youth Entering Decision-Making Spheres at COP

From the youth front, I am most excited about the ascent of young people into decision-making spaces. While youth are traditionally seen as activists in the climate setting, young people have also been building formal knowledge bases, such as through the , spearheaded by young negotiators from Switzerland, India, and more. I helped organize the only youth programming for the South Korea pavilion in Week 1, which was a tremendous opportunity given to the team. The goal was to showcase the networks and ability of young people on an official platform. I am hopeful that a new generation of youth leaders as negotiators, experts, activists, and more will better reflect our world’s changing demographics and prioritize meeting climate commitments.

Reflections on COP29 Negotiations

Despite the progress for youth as climate champions, I would be remiss to comment on COP without discussing the negotiations themselves. Many people are justifiably disappointed at the lackluster results that come out of COPs year after year. Developed countries have a target contribution of, a quarter of the 1.3 trillion financing needed to achieve climate stability.

Just as there is a massive coordination problem due to the number of actors, there is also an absolution of responsibility due to the promise that next year, there will be another COP. This phenomenon, I believe, was especially powerful this year due to the excitement of having COP30 in Brazil after years of petrostates, as well as the revision of proposed around the corner.

As I reflect, the biggest concern I have after leaving COP29 is the gradual erosion of multilateral climate action. As countries and pull out , I hear their complaints. Countries such as Papua New Guinea are extremely vulnerable to climate change, and developed countries are not doing enough.

But without landmark agreements and a global spotlight, climate action may be further siloed. If there are convenings where decisions are being made, it is critical that vulnerable groups show up and champion climate justice. COPs, at the very least, serve as a yearly deadline for countries, companies, and organizations alike to showcase their best efforts, transfer best practices, and evaluate what more can be done.