Author: Livia Hoxha

As the NCQG agreement left me disheartened, interactions with my classmates from the Sanford School made me realize that my perspective is not shared by everybody. As I shared my thought that $300 billion amount was too little from the target of $1 trillion, which the developing nations seek and needs, their response surprised me. They considered this an achievement, and they implied that climate finance was rarely a priority for developed countries and underlined the economic challenges many nations faced, including rising debt levels.

Their argument, though logical in their eyes, seemed almost counterintuitive to me. This agreement, in my eyes, was a missed opportunity toward much-needed action on behalf of the most vulnerable communities. However, I believe that their optimism and my discontent has a deeper disconnect-an inability to understand realities faced by developing nations.

This experience underscored the importance of spreading more awareness and education on global climate finance. Many people, even those deeply involved in policy, may not fully grasp the inequities and challenges that developing countries confront in their fight against climate change. Bridging this gap is critical to fostering empathy and pushing for equitable solutions – a lesson I’ve carried with me throughout this journey.

It’s with this perspective that I’ve chosen to focus solely on the positives in this blog—on the experiences that inspired me, the people who moved me, and the lessons I’ve taken away from this pivotal event.

A City That Inspires

Baku’s Old City was a revelation: a beautiful tapestry of history, culture, and resilience. Wandering its narrow streets, surrounded by ancient stone walls and amazing architecture, I couldn’t help but feel connected to something bigger than myself. It reminded me that the past and the present are deeply intertwined-just as our actions today shape the future.

Building Community

One of the most meaningful aspects of this experience was the deep connection I felt with my classmates in the UNFCCC practicum. From intense discussions regarding the negotiations to late-night dinners and drinks filled with laughter, this journey brought us closer in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Another important and proud moment was listening to my classmates Kayla and Dima present at a panel -I saw their hard work, dedication, and expertise shine. It reminded me of the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting each other in this shared mission.

Conversations That Matter

Among the many inspiring sessions, the discussions on climate mobility stood out. Listening to the talk that our great TA Gabriella made possible for us on the nexus of climate change and migration opened my eyes to the complexity of displacement and adaptation. These conversations fueled my determination to address the gaps I see back home in Albania, where climate change is often overlooked in education and public discourse.

It is disheartening to realize that many Albanian children grow up without even a mention of the word “climate change,” let alone taking any action, despite its rising impact on their futures. It was then that the spark of an idea lit inside of me: what if I could create a space where children learn about climate change and become empowered to act? The inspiration to start an NGO that educates Albanian youth about climate issues has been born in my mind, and I feel motivated to make this vision a reality.

The Power of Connection

Another highlight of COP29 was the opportunity to meet Duke alumni who are shaking things up in the climate space. Their stories of determination proved not only inspirational but also a reminder of what an incredible network we belong to. These, added to the great dinners we shared, reinforced the need and desire to build and nurture relationships. It’s these relationships that keep us going when the challenges just feel too big to handle.

Looking Ahead

As I go out of Baku, the mixture of emotions is in my heart. Grateful for all those experiences that have been a part of me, proud about all the people I met, and determined to bring it all back home. COP29 was much more than a conference; it was a catalyst.

The journey doesn’t stop here. Through education, advocacy, or collaboration, I am committed to creating a difference. And when I look ahead to the future, I know that the connections I have made and the lessons I have learned will guide me every step of the way. I hate goodbyes, so for me this is simply a “see you later”, hopefully in COP30 next year!

As I write this on the plane on my flight from Frankfurt back to Durham, I’m reflecting on the whirlwind that was COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It was a mix of inspiring ideas, urgent discussions, and the familiar frustrations that come with global negotiations. While there were moments of progress, it’s clear that much work remains to ensure equitable and effective climate action. In this blog, I’ll talk about the main highlights of COP29, including climate finance, ideas from the pavilions, and the importance of including gender in climate action.

Climate Finance

One of the central issues at COP29 has been climate finance. After widespread rejection of an initial $250 billion-a-year proposal, a late-night meeting among wealthier nations led to a revised $300 billion-a-year target by 2035. While this marks progress, it remains far short of the $1.3 trillion per year that vulnerable nations say they need to address the climate crisis.

What’s troubling is that many of the poorer countries most affected by climate change were not in the room during these critical discussions. As one negotiator put it from the Politico article that our classmate Felicia kindly shared with us, “This isn’t only about money—it’s about survival.” This phrase really stuck with me! The process left questions unanswered: Will the funding come as grants or loans? How can it avoid adding to the debt burden of developing nations? And how can it reach those on the frontlines who need it most?

Pavilions

Amid these tense negotiations, the pavilions offered a completely different energy. They were spaces of innovation and collaboration, showcasing solutions that could transform how we address the climate crisis.

One standout session I attended was a World Bank panel on climate solutions in agrifood systems. It focused on the potential of agriculture to become a force for environmental healing while ensuring food security. The discussion highlighted nature-based solutions, sustainable irrigation, and the need to shift subsidies toward low-emission foods. What struck me most was the idea that agrifood systems could be redesigned to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050—an ambitious but achievable goal with the right investments and political will.

The Gender Lens

One of the most powerful moments for me at COP29 was the “UN Women: Gender and Climate: Synergies and challenges” press conference.

According to the speaker, it was evident that gender had not been a priority for this year’s presidency, but thanks to relentless advocacy from feminist groups, she shared the good news that it was brought to the table in the second week of negotiations.

The speaker passionately outlined how the care economy—largely invisible and disproportionately shouldered by women—is central to resilience in the face of climate shocks. For the first time, at the time of the conference as the speaker was mentioning, the draft text included references to the care economy and informal sectors, but she also noted that ambition remains far from what is needed. She continued to say that the inclusion of this language feels like a small step forward, but there’s still a long way to go toward ensuring gender-responsive climate action.

What stuck with me the most was the staggering imbalance of power at COP29 that the speaker mentioned: fossil fuel lobbyists outnumbered the delegations of the 10 most vulnerable countries by a ratio of more than 1073 to 10. This imbalance undermines the credibility of the negotiations and highlights the systemic barriers faced by those who are most affected by the climate crisis. The speaker went on to say that the links between fossil fuel extraction and gender-based violence, particularly against Indigenous women, are undeniable, yet these issues are too often sidelined in climate discussions.

This blog is just the second chapter of my reflections on COP29, and I know I’ll have more to write as I process everything I’ve experienced and continue following the outcomes of the negotiations. While there is much to criticize, there is also much to fight for! The solutions are within reach, but the gap between what is discussed in the pavilions and what is agreed upon in the negotiation rooms must be bridged!

 After an exhausting journey that included a 12-hour layover in Frankfurt and a delayed flight, I arrived at our Airbnb in Baku at 5 a.m.—physically drained but excited about what the day would bring. Although I didn’t get into the Blue Zone until mid-afternoon, the few hours I spent at COP29 on my first day were enough to leave me both inspired and impressed!

Session 1: Regional Collaboration for Climate Action 

The first session I attended, “Regional Collaboration to Accelerate Climate Action and the Implementation of the Paris Agreement,” offered a fascinating look at how regional cooperation can drive meaningful climate solutions.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of tailoring solutions to fit local needs, even within shared regional challenges. Transparency was highlighted as a cornerstone of effective climate action, with Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) serving as a foundation for credible Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

A standout moment came from a speaker representing the Pacific subregion, whose remarks were both powerful and pragmatic. He stressed that regional organizations in the Pacific are already strong and should be leveraged instead of replaced by external programs. He also called attention to the critical need for funding to be aligned with environmental goals, pointing out the contradiction of trillions of dollars flowing into activities that harm the planet.

 Session 2: Small Farmers and the Bioeconomy 

The second session, “Agriculture Practiced by Small Farmers: Regenerative Techniques as an Essential Agent in Mitigating Climate Change,” was particularly exciting because it connected directly to my master thesis on sustainable agriculture and water scarcity in Brazil.

The panel underscored the immense value of small-scale farmers—who number over 500 million globally—in promoting regenerative practices that enhance resilience and mitigate climate change. From nitrogen-fixing plants to bioeconomy innovations like bioethanol and biogas, the session illustrated how these farmers could drive sustainability while addressing issues like supply chain disruptions and unpredictable weather.

Brazil stood out as a model, with programs like the “A Million Cisterns” initiative providing water to family farmers and fostering resilience. The session also showcased how farmers can adopt regenerative practices to store carbon in soil and adapt to unpredictable weather patterns, thereby creating more sustainable systems.

The highlight of the session was my interaction with Francisco Mello, a climate change specialist from the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture. I had the chance to speak with him about my thesis, and he generously offered to share resources that could strengthen my research. This moment reminded me of the incredible opportunities COP offers for connecting academic work with real-world expertise.

Exploring the Green Zone 

Between sessions, I explored the Green Zone, which was an inspiring showcase of global creativity and collaboration. The exhibits were vibrant and diverse, reflecting the innovative spirit of climate solutions and providing a refreshing counterbalance to the intense discussions in the Blue Zone.

 Reflections 

My first day at COP29 may have been short, but it was nothing short of transformative. The sessions were insightful, the speakers brought new perspectives, and the connections I made were invaluable. The Pacific subregion speaker’s emphasis on leveraging local frameworks and Francisco Mello’s encouragement for my research were moments that stood out and inspired me to think more deeply about my work and its broader context.

I am looking forward to the rest of the conference, eager to build on this strong start and continue exploring the intersections of policy, science, and action in addressing the global climate crisis.