I’m writing this blog post as I unwind from my first day at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The trip from Durham, North Carolina, was long and exhausting, and the time difference is certainly taking its toll on us Practicum students. However, as I sit here reflecting, I realize how incredible this experience is shaping up to be. We (Practicum students) all come from diverse backgrounds, and while we boarded the same flight to Baku, our individual journeys to this moment have been anything but identical.

This morning marked my official arrival at COP, but my personal “road to Baku” began long ago. My first exposure to climate negotiations happened during my undergraduate studies in International Relations, through Model United Nations (MUN). In those simulations, I acted as a delegate negotiating on behalf of various governments, learning about complex global issues like climate change and environmental policy. At the time, the idea of attending a real COP—the very conferences we role-played in MUN—felt distant and abstract, like something reserved for seasoned professionals. And yet, here I am today, experiencing it firsthand.

Looking back, MUN taught me invaluable lessons about diplomacy, collaboration, and the intricacies of global governance. But it also highlighted how removed many young people can feel from real-world policymaking. In MUN, we debated issues with theoretical detachment, but COP29 is far from theoretical. Here, decisions have real consequences—consequences that will shape our collective future.

The journey from MUN to COP wasn’t a straight path. The practicum course I joined at Duke served as a critical stepping stone, preparing me for the complexity of these negotiations. Through this program, I’ve deepened my understanding of climate governance, explored frameworks like the Paris Agreement, and practiced the kind of stakeholder engagement that defines COP. The practicum also introduced me to the challenge of balancing optimism with realism, particularly when addressing the urgent need for climate action in the face of political and economic constraints.

A pivotal moment in my preparation came during the course’s simulation exercise. Revisiting the MUN-style negotiations with a more critical and nuanced perspective, I realized how much I had grown. This time, I wasn’t just thinking about hypothetical outcomes; I was considering how real-world factors—such as national interests, geopolitical tensions, and financial constraints—shape every decision. The exercise reinforced that while ideal solutions may exist in theory, the reality of climate diplomacy often involves compromise, patience, and persistence. “Diplomacy”, as the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mark Libby stated during a private discussion with US Universities’ students on Tuesday, “is an iterative process”.

Now, being in Baku at COP29 feels surreal. Walking through the conference venue, I was struck by the  diversity of voices—government representatives, activists, academics, and private sector leaders—all converging to address the climate crisis. The energy in the air is electric, a mix of urgency and hope.

As I settle into the rhythm of COP, I’m reminded of why I chose to pursue this path. Being here isn’t just about observing; it’s about contributing to a global dialogue by questioning the status quo and sharing my perspective as a Bolivian citizen. The long flight, the jet lag, and the steep learning curve are all worth it. This is more than a conference—it’s a call to action. COP29 is both a culmination of my journey and the start of something much bigger. Let’s see where it takes me.