The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as the 29th Conference of the Parties, or COP 29, is set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan from the 11th – 22nd of November. Conference discussions are expected to centre on themes of climate finance, carbon markets and new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC’s) – the national targets to support climate change commitments that countries must submit in 2025.
This year, we have the opportunity for 10 University representatives to attend the conference virtually. Keep on reading to find out more about being a virtual delegate, and how you can apply!
Image: The venue for this year’s conference- Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan. Credit: AZTV.
What is an observer?
Newcastle University gained “observer organisation” status with the UNFCCC in 2021 and a delegation of academics, professional services colleagues and student representatives were able to attend COP 26 in Glasgow as a result. Observer organisations can select representatives to attend the annual COP’s both in-person and virtually. This year, for COP 29, all observer organisations have been allocated 10 virtual delegate places – though in-person quotas have been limited.
Observers are chosen from a variety of groups, all expressing unique perspectives on climate change. They fall into one of three groups: United Nations organisations, intergovernmental organisations (IGOs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
NGOs can include:
- Youth groups
- Trade unions
- Farmers
- Indigenous communities
- Environmental charities
- Research organisations including universities.
- Gender-equality initiatives
Virtual delegates can access many meetings and events being held at the COP 29 conference, though often this is limited to being able to observe proceedings via a one-way live stream. As well as the main negotiations between Parties to the Convention, COP conferences host hundreds of related side-events, exhibits and meetings every year. Observer organisations can apply to host side-events at the conference and many of this year’s events should be available to view by virtual delegates. Some events may even interact with the online community, allowing you to network with peers and have your say!
More information about observer organisations is available here on the UNFCCC website, and a list of this year’s formal side-events is available here. The list will most likely be updated as the conference nears, so keep checking for new events!
Image: This year’s timetable of themes. Keep this safe when deciding which talks to attend! Credit: UNFCCC.
How can I apply?
This year, we are encouraging both students and colleagues to apply to be a virtual delegate. We will select delegates on a first come, first serve basis. We will also try to ensure a balance of undergraduate students, postgraduate taught students, postgraduate research students, academic colleagues, and colleagues from professional services.
To apply, simply fill out the form below telling us your availability and why you would like to attend. Please note, it is not expected that virtual delegates will commit the whole of their time to the COP – we would encourage our virtual delegates to attend as many events as their commitments will allow.
By filling out the form, you will also consent to helping the Sustainability Team with a follow-up blog or knowledge-sharing activity, describing your experience at COP 29. You will also agree to abide by the UNFCCC Code of Conduct found here.
COP 29 Virtual Delegate Application: https://forms.office.com/e/N0ZgHLwmgY
Good luck!
