Rethinking Representation: Reflection from COP29

Attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of global climate governance, reinforced my advocacy priorities, and pushed me to think more boldly about solutions to the climate crisis. The event was more than a summit; it was a convergence of ideas, voices, and commitments from across the globe. As a climate justice advocate, I was proud to join other changemakers in influencing policy, building networks, and pushing for equitable solutions to the challenges we face.

However, beyond the dynamic plenaries and high-level negotiations, COP29 provided opportunities for critical self-reflection, offering lessons on the systemic gaps in climate governance and inspiring new initiatives that could address these challenges. It is these experiences, insights, and visions that I aim to share here, sparking deeper conversations on what lies ahead for inclusive and transformative climate action.

Opportunities: Building Momentum and Leadership

COP29 was brimming with opportunities that significantly advanced my advocacy work and opened new pathways for collaboration and innovation.

1. Launching the $10 Million Multi-Year Grassroots Grant Initiative

One of my proudest moments at COP29 was introducing the idea of a $10 million multi-year grant aimed at empowering youth-led grassroots climate action in Africa. This idea was born out of a realization of the systemic barriers grassroots organizations face in accessing meaningful climate finance.

I pitched this initiative in meetings with African Union representatives, funders, and civil society leaders, emphasizing its potential to address funding inequities and create localized, sustainable solutions. The grant, which we hope to roll out mid-next year, will focus on empowering marginalized communities, integrating gender-responsive strategies, and driving youth-led climate innovation.

This initiative represents a bold vision for the future, and COP29 was instrumental in garnering early support. It is not just a funding mechanism but a call to action to ensure that grassroots voices and ideas lead the charge in climate adaptation and resilience.

2. Elevating My Advocacy Voice

COP29 amplified my platform as a regional expert on youth, peace, and security. By participating in high-profile panel discussions, such as the youth-led event on "Gender and Climate Resilience," I was able to share insights from my work in Southern Africa. This opportunity allowed me to highlight the intersections of climate justice, gender equity, and youth leadership while showcasing innovative approaches from grassroots communities.

The visibility gained at COP29 opened doors to collaborate on policy briefs, co-lead initiatives on documenting the impacts of climate finance, and participate in strategic post-COP engagements that will influence global and regional policies.

3. Networking for Strategic Collaborations

The summit provided an unparalleled opportunity to connect with global thought leaders, civil society actors, and policymakers. From dialogues with indigenous climate activists to consultations with feminist coalitions, these exchanges deepened my understanding of global climate action. They also seeded new partnerships, including potential collaborations on gender-sensitive climate policies and youth-driven climate research.

4. Learning and Knowledge-Sharing

COP29 offered rich learning opportunities through exhibitions, side events, and informal exchanges. I was particularly inspired by innovative approaches to climate financing, technology-driven adaptation models, and community-led renewable energy projects. These learnings will inform my ongoing work with Women Excel Trust, ensuring that our interventions remain cutting-edge and impactful.

Gaps Observed at COP29: A Call for Bold Action

While COP29 provided numerous opportunities, it also revealed significant gaps that undermine the effectiveness and inclusivity of global climate governance.

1. Exclusion of Marginalized Voices

Despite efforts to broaden representation, many voices from the Global South, particularly grassroots and indigenous communities, were missing from critical conversations. Financial and logistical barriers remain a significant hurdle, leaving the most vulnerable without a seat at the table.

2. Lack of Accessibility to Climate Finance

While pledges for climate finance dominated discussions, the mechanisms to deliver this funding remain opaque and cumbersome. The $100 billion annual commitment remains largely unmet, and grassroots organizations often struggle to navigate bureaucratic requirements to access funds. This gap reinforced the urgency of the $10 million grassroots initiative I proposed.

3. Gender-Responsive Policies Remain Rhetorical

Although gender equity was a recurring theme, there was a lack of concrete frameworks and actionable commitments. Gender-responsive climate action must move beyond rhetoric to practical implementation, ensuring that women and girls are both leaders and beneficiaries of climate solutions.

4. Youth Tokenism

Youth participation at COP29 often felt tokenistic. While young people were invited to events, their perspectives were not always reflected in decision-making processes. This highlighted the need for mechanisms that integrate youth voices into core policy frameworks.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Reflecting on COP29, it is clear that these gaps are not insurmountable. They present opportunities for bold action and systemic reform:

1. Enhancing Inclusivity

Dedicated funding streams and policy mandates must ensure the full participation of marginalized groups. National delegations must also prioritize diversity in representation.

2. Strengthening Accountability

Transparent, accessible climate finance mechanisms must be a priority. The $10 million initiative I proposed is one such solution that simplifies access while centering equity.

3. Operationalizing Gender-Responsive Policies

Embedding gender frameworks into all stages of climate governance from policy design to implementation will ensure more equitable outcomes.

4. Institutionalizing Youth Leadership

Youth engagement must go beyond panels to decision-making roles within national and global institutions.

5. Leveraging Technology for Inclusivity

Investments in virtual tools and digital platforms can bridge gaps in participation, especially for those unable to attend in person.

Reflections and the Road Ahead

COP29 was a milestone in my advocacy journey. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of grassroots action, youth leadership, and gender-responsive policies as transformative tools for climate justice. The $10 million grassroots initiative is my response to the gaps I witnessed a bold step toward ensuring that those on the frontlines of the climate crisis are empowered to lead solutions.

As we look toward COP30, I remain committed to amplifying marginalized voices, pushing for accountability in climate finance, and fostering collaborations that drive meaningful change. The experience has left me inspired, challenged, and ready to contribute to a future where climate justice is not just a promise but a lived reality for all.

"The fight for climate justice is a fight for equity, inclusion, and action. Let us move forward together, leaving no one behind."