COP29
COP29: Baku, Azerbaijan
Nov 11, 2024 – Nov 22, 2024
From November 11th through November 22nd, our COP29 delegation represented the BC community in Baku, Azerbaijan. The delegation consists of four faculty, six graduate students, seven undergraduate students, and one staff member, representing colleges and departments across campus. Delegates were competitively selected from a pool of almost 300 applicants by a committee of faculty, staff, and students from across campus. The Schiller Institute is committed to producing outreach programming that extends the University's investment in sending a delegation to COP and allows students, faculty, and others to benefit from our COP programming. This page will be updated regularly with events leading up to, during, and after the conference.
COP29 Delegates
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COP Symposium:
February 21st, 2025
Time: 11 am - 3 pm
In Person
245 Beacon Street, Room 501 (Schiller Institute Convening Space)
Did you know Boston College is an official Observer Organization to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (also known as the Conference of the Parties or simply COP)? In 2024, Boston College sent our fourth annual delegation to COP29 in Azerbaijan. On Friday, February 21st, you’ll have an opportunity to hear about delegates’ experiences, learn more about COP, and discover how you can apply to be part of the COP30 delegation!
The Schiller Institute is pleased to announce that Esquire Henry, a youth ambassador from Antigua, will be joining the symposium as our keynote speaker.
Please find the symposium schedule below:
- 11:00 am: Opening panel, providing an overview of COP and what the BC delegation was doing at COP
- 12:00 pm: Lunch break and networking
- 12:30 pm: Keynote & Discussion: Esquire Henry, Youth Ambassador from Antigua, will give a presentation followed by a Q&A session
- 1:30 pm: Exhibits: Open house format in which delegates will present their findings and experiences during COP29
Even if you can’t make it for the entire event, we encourage you to drop-in as you can. We hope to see you there! Please register using this link.
Our keynote speaker, Esquire Henry is a passionate youth advocate and community leader. Among his many accomplishments, he serves as a National and CARICOM Youth Ambassador for Antigua and Barbuda, a member of the United Nations Youth Advisory Group for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, and a member of the Caribbean Development Bank’s Future Leaders’ Network. He has also been the NYPAAB Youth Parliamentarian for All Saints East and St. Luke for four years.
Please note that food will be available throughout the event.
Contact:
schiller.institute@bc.edu
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Broadcasts from Baku: November 20th
November 20, 2024
11 am - 12 pm
In Person
Schiller Convening Space, 501
Come hear from BC's COP29 delegation - live from Baku, Azerbaijan! BC students and faculty will report live from COP29. The delegates will share their experiences so far and take questions from the audience. By attending the Broadcasts, you'll have an opportunity to hear on-the-ground reports from the largest international climate change conference in the world, hosted annually by the United Nations.
Lunch will be provided!
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Broadcasts from Baku: November 13th
November 13, 2024
11 am - 12 pm
In Person
Schiller Convening Space, 501
Come hear from BC's COP29 delegation - live from Baku, Azerbaijan! BC students and faculty will report live from COP29. The delegates will share their experiences so far and take questions from the audience. By attending the Broadcasts, you'll have an opportunity to hear on-the-ground reports from the largest international climate change conference in the world, hosted annually by the United Nations.
Lunch will be provided!
Sempre-aluno representou sua universidade jesuíta na COP29 no Azerbaijão
A lifelong student represented his Jesuit university at COP29 in Azerbaijan
Read about Gustavo Cardona e Almeida's journey from Colégio Medianeira to his participation in COP29 in Azerbaijan. He is now planning to participate in COP30 in Brazil in November 2025, aiming to contribute to climate finance and sustainable development.
COP29 delegates to speak at Schiller symposium
Participants will share their climate summit experiences, takeaways
Growing Global Connections
Kaley McCarty, Assistant Director, Programs at the Schiller Institute, was recently featured in the University of Oregon's College of Arts and Science alumni publication. She shares her experience taking a group of students to the world’s biggest climate change conference.
"Opportunity of a Lifetime" - Boston College Chronicle
The Boston College Chronicle spotlights the transformative journey of Schiller Institute delegates to COP 29 in Baku. Students and faculty shared their impactful experiences at the UN Climate Conference, gaining valuable insights on global climate action. Highlights include perspectives from Executive Director Laura Steinberg and students Elizabeth Schwab, Sangeeta Kishore, and Junsoo Chung. Don’t miss the full story on page 3 of the Boston College Chronicle.
A 'transformative' experience
A Q&A with BC delegate and Woods College graduate student Gustavo Cardona e Almeida, whose native Brazil will host the U.N. Climate Change Conference next year
Professor Kumar Comments on Climate Finance Negotiations
Praveen Kumar, Associate Professor in the School of Social Work and the trip leader for BC's week 2 delegation, was quoted in a Bloomberg article titled Nations Spar on $250 Billion Climate Vow as COP29 Nears End. Kumar commented on the push to include rich-but-still-developing countries such as China and Saudi Arabia in the climate financing negotiations. "Inviting developing countries to even voluntarily contribute toward the climate finance goals is going beyond the Paris Agreement, which will set up a fight as countries air grievances about the new draft," he said.
Delegates from Boston College to Attend COP 29
An interdisciplinary delegation from Boston College is attending COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Supported by the Schiller Institute, these students, faculty, and staff have prepared for the global climate conference throughout the fall semester, and will share their experiences with the greater BC community through live dispatches from Baku and post-event panels and poster sessions.
COP29 Podcasts
From COP28 to the COP29 Symposium: A Delegate's Experience
Dylan welcomes Sancia Sehdev to discuss her experiences at COP28 and the upcoming COP29 Symposium at Boston College. Sancia provides an overview of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and shares key takeaways from her time at COP28. She also gives insight into the planning process for COP29 and what students can expect from the COP Symposium, including discussions on climate action, policy, and sustainability efforts. Finally, she highlights ways for students to connect with the Schiller Institute and get involved. Tune in to learn more about how BC engages in global climate conversations!
From Baku to BC: Reflecting on COP29 and the COP Symposium
Dylan welcomes Lyann Tam and Junsoo Chung to discuss their experiences at COP29 and the upcoming COP29 Symposium at Boston College. Lyann and Junsoo provide an overview of COP29, highlighting key moments and takeaways from their time in Baku. They also share insights into what students can expect at the COP29 Symposium, including discussions on climate action, global policy, and BC’s role in environmental leadership. Tune in to learn more about this exciting event, how to attend, and how students can get involved with the Schiller Institute’s initiatives.
COP29: Broadcasts from Baku Highlights
Dylan introduces the Schiller Institute's Broadcasts from Baku live sessions, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the conversations and insights emerging from the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan. This episode of DBC features key highlights from both live sessions, where Boston College faculty and students share their perspectives on COP29 discussions, developments, and programming. To dive deeper into these compelling discussions, visit the Schiller Institute's YouTube channel for full coverage.
COP29 Videos
COP 29 Symposium Panel
February 21, 2025
Boston College’s COP29 delegation shares their experiences from the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, in this engaging panel discussion. Delegates provide insights into the conference’s key themes, their roles at the event, and the broader implications of international climate negotiations. As part of BC’s second annual COP Symposium, this panel offers a unique look at climate diplomacy and the opportunities available through BC’s Observer Organization status at COP. Hosted by the Schiller Institute, this session also provides information on how to apply for BC’s delegation to COP30 in Brazil.
COP 29 Keynote Speaker
February 21, 2025
At Boston College’s second annual COP Symposium, Esquire Henry, a Youth Ambassador from Antigua, delivered a compelling keynote on climate action and youth leadership. Drawing from his experience working with the UN and Caribbean organizations, he discussed key challenges and opportunities in global climate policy. This keynote was part of a broader event hosted by the Schiller Institute, highlighting BC’s role as an official Observer Organization at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). Watch to learn more about COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, and how students can apply for BC’s delegation to COP30 in Brazil.
Recording of the live broadcast with our delegates who were on the ground at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan! Delegates share their experiences and highlights of their trip so far, helping the BC community understand current conversations and events happening at the Conference. Members of the BC community ask the delegates questions such as: Why is COP29 the "Finance COP?" Have you noticed an increase in Global South representation in badges at the conference? What are the conversations and negotiations like in the Blue and Green Zones? Have you noticed a change in US pledging on funds and in negotiation tactics with the anticipated administration change?
Broadcast From Baku
November 20, 2024
Recording of the live broadcast with our delegates who are on the ground at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan! Delegates share their experiences and highlights of their trip so far, helping the BC community understand current conversations and events happening at the Conference. Members of the BC community ask the delegates questions such as: Do you sense any difference between the Baku COP and the previous COP meetings? What types of sessions have you attended and what did you learn from each? What has been your most formative experience at COP so far? How has Baku as a city adjusted to COP and the international presence? In what ways have you seen regional geopolitics expressed at COP? How have you been able to further explore your personal interests on climate related topics while navigating the green zone? In what ways do you think your experiences at COP will inform your work around technology and youth for sustainability education? Which pavilion showcased the most innovative solutions for climate change and how can these solutions be scaled/adapted to my community? Today's theme focused on urbanization, transportation and tourism. What is one country that you learned about that has been successful in their initiatives and has given you hope for the future of cities? Have your experiences changed the way you think about climate initiatives?