Now that I am back from COP30 in Belem, Brazil, I have realized that some of the most meaningful moments happen outside of formal negotiations. While the first days of the conference I was focused on the dynamics inside the negotiation rooms, the rest of the week highlighted for me, the power of personal conversations, public interventions, and justice-centered across the conference. In this blog, I want to share a few interactions and moments that were especially memorable and impactful.
One of the most unexpected experiences was an hour-long conversation with John Kornerup Bang, the Global Head of Sustainable Growth Strategy at LEGO. What started as a brief introduction turned into a deep discussion about why the Paris Agreement succeeded where the Copenhagen conference failed. He explained how voluntary cooperation and political timing played a pivotal role in shaping Paris, and he shared insights from attending over twenty COPs. This conversation allowed me to ask many questions about the history of the conferences and helped me better understand the human strategy behind major climate milestones. I also witnessed a powerful moment when ministers from various countries were given three minutes each to speak. The most emotional intervention came from the Minister of Palestine, who emphasized their commitment to climate action despite the devastation of war back home. His request for the world to simply acknowledge their reality brought a heavy silence to the room, followed by strong, sustained applause in a show of support.
Beyond official speeches, I saw how activism and civil society shaped the atmosphere of COP. During one demonstration, African and international climate justice organizers called for renewable energy and equitable transitions. Their peaceful but firm action grounded the conference in urgency and reminded everyone that advocacy is essential for raising awareness about ongoing global injustices. Another event that stood out was the panel “Women at the Intersection of Gender, Conflict, and Climate Justice” at the UK Pavilion. Speakers from the UK, Somalia, and Peru discussed how climate change amplifies existing vulnerabilities, especially for women living in regions affected by conflict and instability. Their diverse perspectives made it clear that climate solutions must integrate gender justice, safety, and human rights. It was inspiring to see women from different parts of the world emphasize the importance of women’s leadership in climate action.
Overall, these moments have shown me that COP is far more than negotiation texts. It is a space where strategy, humanity, and urgency meet. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to attend to engage in as many conversations as possible, as you will learn so much from the experiences, perspectives, and goals of people fighting for climate justice. I look forward to continuing to learn from the diverse voices that make this conference what it is.
Malak Nechnach is a senior studying Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Mathematics.