A Student’s Perspective: My Experience and Lessons from COP29

Last month, I embarked on a journey I’d only dreamed of, a trip to COP29 the global climate conference held in Baku, Azerbaijan. As a 19-year-old Global Responsibility and Leadership student at the University of Groningen’s Campus Fryslân, I had no idea what to expect. What I did know was that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see how global leaders and changemakers tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges: the climate crisis.

From a Writing Contest to a World Stage

It all began with a writing competition. Organized by the Global Center of Adaptation (GCA) and the University of Groningen, the contest challenged students to submit an op-ed on the importance of climate adaptation. Inspired by my passion for water and a lecture by Wetsus professor Cees Buisman, I wrote about how water technology can play a vital role in adapting to a changing climate.

When I learned that my piece had won, I was thrilled but also nervous. In just three weeks, I’d be flying solo to Azerbaijan to attend one of the world’s largest climate conferences. What followed was a whirlwind of preparations: visa applications, flight bookings, preparations, and reading up on the conference agenda.

Immersed in COP29

Landing in Baku, I was immediately struck by the energy of the event. I shadowed Patrick Verkooijen, GCA’s CEO, who had warned me to “get some sleep beforehand.” He wasn’t kidding, the schedule was packed with back-to-back meetings and events.

From conversations with world leaders like Hilda Heine, the president of the Marshall Islands, to discussions with delegates from various nations, the experience was both overwhelming and inspiring. President Heine’s stories about the existential threat rising sea levels pose to her island nation were particularly moving. For her people, climate change isn’t an abstract issue, it’s a matter of survival of her people.

Though the conference had its moments of feeling hopeless I also found reasons for optimism. At the Africa Pavilion, I saw the resilience and innovation emerging from a continent bursting with youthful energy. Africa is a continent that is often overlooked but has so much potential! As Patrick Verkooijen put it beautifully, “This will be Africa’s century.”

Youth Voices at the Forefront

One of the highlights was a dinner for youth delegates and changemakers, where I delivered a speech and received a certificate for winning the op-ed competition. I also had the opportunity to participate in discussions with young changemakers, like COP29 Youth Climate Champion Leyla Hasanova, about climate adaptation and youth engagement in climate conferences. These conversations were incredibly inspiring, but the underlying tension was noticeable. This event, held on the Thursday of the first week, already revealed the challenges of those fighting for climate action at the COP. Delegates from some developing countries expressed frustration with the slow pace of progress. Yet, rather than feeling defeated, they saw this as a call to keep pushing forward. Their determination was deeply inspiring to me, showcasing the relentless efforts of so many people, whether driven by the urgent needs of their nations or simply by a shared vision of a better world.

A Renewed Purpose

Back in the Netherlands, I’m eager to share what I’ve learned. From conversations with organizations like Wetsus and the WaterCampus to discussions with my peers, I’m inspired to contribute to climate solutions that combine innovation and collaboration.

At COP29, I learned that every voice matters. Small contributions can lead to big changes, and young people have the power to make a difference. My time in Baku deepened my commitment to advocating for sustainable solutions and reminded me that the fight for our planet’s future is just beginning.

Are you ready to raise your voice too?