First Day in Azerbaijan!

Today marked my first official day at COP29, and it has been nothing short of transformative. After arriving in the early hours of the morning, I managed only an hour of sleep before my adrenaline kicked in. Despite the exhaustion, the anticipation of what lay ahead fueled my excitement. By 8:30 AM, I was at the venue, utterly captivated by the sheer magnitude of the event. Delegates from all corners of the globe filled the space, yet everything operated seamlessly. Even with the vast number of attendees, obtaining my badge was a smooth and efficient process. 

The Blue Zone

The energy in the room was palpable. It was unlike anything I had experienced before—a convergence of power, influence, and determination to tackle one of humanity’s greatest challenges. As I made my way to the pavilion, my awe deepened. The space was a harmonious blend of art, science, and policy, each pavilion thoughtfully designed to showcase innovative solutions and groundbreaking ideas. With over a hundred pavilions, the sheer scale was overwhelming, but also incredibly inspiring. I stopped briefly at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) pavilion, engaging in a conversation about the challenges they face in achieving these ambitious goals. The representatives were brimming with optimism and a sense of urgency, sharing tangible progress and innovative strategies. It was a hopeful exchange, one that reminded me of the profound potential of collective action. Their enthusiasm reignited my own hope—not just for the future of my career but for the future of our planet. 

Meeting with the US Ambassador 

My time at the pavilion was cut short by a meeting with the United States Ambassador to Azerbaijan, an experience that proved equally exhilarating. We were escorted to the U.S. Embassy, where we relinquished all electronic devices before entering a secure meeting room. The discussion that followed was both enlightening and thought-provoking. The Ambassador shared insights into the complex history of U.S.-Azerbaijan relations and highlighted how hosting an event of this magnitude could bolster a nation’s political influence on the global stage. I’ve never met an ambassador before and the breath of knowledge he possessed was amazing. My favorite quote (not a direct quote)  in response to the evolving  economy in belief to  was “The economy is not like a stray cat, its  swarm of bees with many players. There’s so many players so a couple players will not sway the entire economy. ” It was fascinating to witness diplomacy in action, and even more special to connect with a Duke alumnus present at the meeting. He generously treated us to lunch, where we enjoyed delicious local cuisine and exchanged perspectives on how COP29 compares to previous conferences.

Upon returning to the Blue Zone, I faced the difficult decision of choosing between revisiting the pavilion and attending a series of compelling sessions. Ultimately, my focus on technology and innovation in climate solutions guided my choice. These sessions underscored the critical role of emerging technologies in addressing climate change and offered practical pathways to a more sustainable future. The session “UNFCCC TEC Technology Day on Transformative Industry” offered unique perspectives on decarbonizing the construction industry. In the power sector, overall emissions, but in the assembling. Another key message is that T that Countries need the right level of ambition for NDC but hold industries accountable, and I completely agree

Navigating such an expansive event can be daunting, particularly as someone outside the realm of public policy. However, I am fortunate to be part of a cohort that is both knowledgeable and supportive. Our teaching assistant Gabriela, and colleagues, Felicia, Dima, Vanessa, and Sameer—have been invaluable in helping us make the most of this experience. Their guidance and encouragement provide a sense of belonging and confidence as I continue to explore the vast opportunities at COP29. I am eager to learn, grow, and find my place in this dynamic space.