Student Voices: Three Reflections on Attending COP29

Attending the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, was an unforgettable experience, blending deep cultural immersion with high-level climate discussions. The week offered me not only an opportunity to witness cutting-edge solutions to the climate crisis but also to actively engage with global stakeholders. Reflecting on my time there, COP29 was a journey of learning, inspiration, and collaboration that reinforced my passion for climate action and policy.

Preparation and Culture

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We arrived in the vibrant city of Baku on November 10. The city’s harmonious blend of modern architecture and rich historical elements, combined with its clean and lively environment, created an exciting atmosphere for the conference. My preparation for COP29, including academic work on climate finance, adaptation, and mobility, alongside a negotiation simulation on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), provided me with a strong foundation to understand the dynamic environment of the conference. This preparation helped me grasp the complexities of stakeholders' positions and proposals, allowing me to engage meaningfully throughout the event.

The first full day at COP29 on November 11 set the tone for an intense yet rewarding week. After picking up my Blue Zone badge, I explored the many country pavilions, a hallmark of COP conferences. Each pavilion represented the intersection of climate action and national identity. The China pavilion’s live calligraphy display and the Azerbaijan pavilion’s traditional food and wine stood out. I also attended sessions such as Incofin Investment Management’s launch of the Climate-Smart Microfinance Fund, aimed at promoting inclusive prosperity and supporting low-income economies. This session particularly resonated with me, emphasizing the importance of gender equality in climate finance and highlighting the challenges of scaling impactful investments.

Engaging in Negotiations and Panels

As the week unfolded, I delved into high-level dialogues and specialized panels, gaining valuable insights into the challenges of global climate negotiations. The NCQG high-level dialogue underscored the complexities of reaching consensus among diverse stakeholders. The session revealed a sharp divide between developed nations and the G77 plus China, with the latter advocating for a $1.3 trillion grant-based framework. Observing these debates highlighted how difficult it is to align interests and achieve equitable outcomes, reinforcing the real-world intricacies of what I had simulated in my coursework.

Another standout moment was attending a panel at the Singapore pavilion on carbon markets. It offered an inside look at Singapore’s efforts to harmonize standards and promote legal frameworks to support carbon trading. While challenges such as standardization and client confidence persist, it was inspiring to see countries leveraging market-based solutions for climate action. I also participated in a discussion hosted by the World Bank pavilion on bridging the adaptation financing gap, which emphasized the tailored nature of adaptation projects and the critical role of private sector engagement. This session sparked my interest in methodologies for evaluating project efficiency and impact, underscoring the interdisciplinary nature of climate policy.

Connecting My Research with Practice

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One of the most rewarding aspects of COP29 was the connection between my personal research interests and the discussions at the conference. At the Chinese pavilion, I attended a talk on the Carbon Generalized System of Preferences (CGSP). This session directly related to my work, providing insights into pilot initiatives like “bank carbon accounts” in partnership with the People’s Bank of China. I had the chance to network with the speaker, deepening my understanding of this innovative approach and reaffirming the value of linking academia with practical applications.

Another pivotal moment was a panel on climate risk measurement at the World Bank pavilion. The session highlighted transformative approaches such as capacity building, improving data quality, and leveraging advanced methodologies. However, it also underscored barriers like technology gaps and country-specific needs. These discussions reinforced the importance of partnerships and tailoring solutions to local contexts, which aligns closely with my interest in the intersection of policy, data, and sustainable development.

Looking Ahead: Lessons and Hopes

Reflecting on the week, one recurring theme was the slow pace of international negotiations, particularly in critical discussions like NCQG and the loss and damage fund. While the reiteration of entrenched positions can be frustrating, I also found hope in the diversity of voices, innovative solutions, and the tangible energy of collaboration present at COP29.

As my week at COP29 came to an end, I left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to climate action. The connections I made and the lessons I learned have strengthened my resolve to contribute meaningfully to sustainable policy solutions. From exploring global challenges to gaining insights directly applicable to my research, COP29 was a transformative experience that will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors.

While the path forward is fraught with challenges, the creativity, commitment, and collaboration I witnessed at COP29 leave me hopeful. As I reflect on this journey, I am reminded that the fight against climate change is both a collective and deeply personal pursuit—one that I am determined to continue.

Apart from the invaluable insights gained through the UNFCCC Practicum course, my broader experiences at Duke University and the Sanford School of Public Policy significantly enhanced my readiness to engage meaningfully at COP29. Last semester, Sanford offered me the incredible opportunity to collaborate with RTI International, where I contributed to research focused on the Biden Administration’s Justice40 Initiative.

This project deepened my understanding of the intersections between equity, environmental justice, and climate policy. By examining how federal funding could be directed to disadvantaged communities, I gained firsthand experience in addressing systemic disparities through policy tools—a perspective that proved invaluable when engaging in global discussions at COP29.

Lu Liu is a Master of Public Policy student at the Sanford School of Public Policy, with a concentration in Energy and Environment. Originally from Shenzen, a coastal city in China, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Translation for Diplomatic Purposes from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Lu's primary interests lie in carbon reduction and energy transition. In 2023, Lu conducted research on ocean blue carbon and carbo-inclusive mechanisms, using Shenzen as a case study to explore the establishment of blue ocean projects through collaboration between government, businesses, research institutions, and individuals. In 2022, she worked for an internet company, where she played a key role in fostering cooperation with local government on environmental protection initiatives. She also conducted a competitor analysis of carbon inclusion applets and apps, leading to the development and successful launch of the "Green Ganjiang" applet, which gained over 4,600 registered users within its first month. Lu has earned the Certificate in ESG Investing from the CFA Institute and is eager to further explore the fields of carbon reduction and energy transition.