- Posted on December 17th, 2024
Diary of a Creative Climate Leader at COP29
Witnessing the Power of Culture at COP29
I arrived in Baku as part of the Creative Climate Leadership network, supported by Julie’s Bicycle and the European Cultural Foundation’s Culture of Solidarity Fund, carrying a clear mission: to advocate for and celebrate the transformative role of culture in addressing the climate crisis. Yet, no amount of preparation could have readied me for the whirlwind of emotions, insights, and connections I would experience. COP29 was not just a summit; it was a kaleidoscope of stories and actions, a testament to the creativity, resilience, and humanity at the heart of the climate movement.
A Journey Intertwined with Discovery
My journey began like many others at COP – with a crowded flight, marked by an eclectic mix of delegates. At Istanbul’s SAW airport, the gate for my connecting flight to Baku reflected the diversity of the climate movement: activists with bold scarves and badges declaring urgent messages, policymakers in suits exuding precision, and academics and journalists carrying quiet resolve. This diversity of people hinted at the multiplicity of voices that would shape my experience at COP.
Landing in Baku in the predawn hours, the city’s quiet anticipation mirrored my own. My taxi driver, Anar, took me on an impromptu tour of the city, his humor and warmth transcending the language barrier. This ride wasn’t just a journey to my accommodation – it was my first connection to Baku, a city that would reveal itself as both a host and an integral part of the COP experience.
Navigating Challenges of Transportation
My first morning at COP was marked by an adventure. Determined to find my way to the Baku Stadium, the official venue, I initially sought the shuttles or metro, only to face confusing directions and inaccessible signage. Left on a roadside near a metro station, I found myself asking around for help, an exercise in patience and perseverance.
It was then that I crossed paths with the Ukrainian delegation – a moment of support amid the chaos. Together, we navigated the complicated route to the shuttles, finally finding the underpass that led to the transport hub. It was a microcosm of COP’s organisational shortcomings but also a testament to the unspoken solidarity among attendees. The young volunteers, tirelessly assisting delegates despite the logistical gaps, became the real stars of the COP experience. Their compassion and enthusiasm were a grounding force in the otherwise challenging process.
Artists Shaping Climate Narratives
The power of storytelling was a recurring theme at COP29, vividly illustrated during the Extreme Hangout panel on Innovative Storytelling for Our Planet. Led by Studio Birthplace co-founders Sil van der Woerd and Jorik Dozy, the session featured their film Earth Defender, which spotlighted the life-threatening dangers faced by Amazonian defenders. It was impossible not to feel both anger at the injustices and admiration for the courage of those on the frontlines.
Later, I found solace in the Palestinian Heritage and Culture Workshop, also hosted at the Extreme Hangout stage. The rhythm of ‘Dabke’ dancing, the melodies of Palestinian music, and the serenity of henna art brought cultural resilience to the forefront. This wasn’t just a workshop; it was a reminder that in the fight for climate justice, preserving identity and heritage is as important as policy and action.
Another standout session was the ECCA Film and TV Panel, where UNFCCC’s Karina Larsen delivered a powerful opening address. The session celebrated the launch of the Film and Television Steering Committee, a critical initiative under the Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action framework. With the presence of inspiring committee members, the panel emphasised the role of visual storytelling in fostering climate empathy and mobilising global audiences. Listening to their vision reinforced my belief in the transformative power of media in shaping climate narratives.
I had one of the most enriching experiences at COP29 by participating in the panel “Promoting a Diverse Ecosystem for the Transition”, organised by the Regional Climate Foundations. Together with Andrea Ramírez from Colombia, a researcher focusing on urban resilience at UNU-EHS; Junior Torres, a Brazilian grassroots leader from CUFA RS advocating for marginalized communities; Sara Ramos de Ávila, a Brazilian creative technologist reimagining storytelling through immersive realities; and Leonardo Menezes, a curator and audiovisual director championing cross-disciplinary collaboration, we explored how culture, communication, and diverse ecosystems can drive a just and inclusive transition.
I shared my insights on the intersection of media, culture, and climate justice, drawing from my experiences as a documentarian and media strategist. The panel highlighted the power of bringing together voices from across geographies and disciplines to foster creative solutions for systemic change. It was a powerful reminder of how collaboration is key to reshaping narratives and advancing climate action.
Culture at COP: A Growing Recognition
The culture panel at the Azerbaijan Pavilion in the Blue Zone of COP venue, featuring global cultural leaders and yet another powerful speech by HRH Princess Dana Firas of Jordan (Special Envoy of the Climate Heritage Network and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador), calling for the need of culture in achieving the Paris agreement climate goals, was another powerful moment. When the Azerbaijani Culture Minister Adil Karimli and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev made a surprise appearance, it felt like validation for years of advocacy. However, the absence of a formal recognition for culture in the overall climate discourse at COP29 was a sobering reminder of how much work remains to be done.
One of the key moments for Culture at COP29 was the launch of the Culture and Climate Report, presented by C de Cultura during the panel “Culture and Climate: Integrating Agendas for Action from a Global South Perspective”. This report offered valuable data and insights to guide the integration of culture and climate agendas, with a focus on justice and inclusion. Delivering the Culture and Climate Survey Report to strategic agents of climate discussions felt like a crucial step toward meaningful action. The event highlighted the indispensable role of cultural actors in advancing climate justice and underscored the need for informed, inclusive policies.
Another inspiring evening was the Goal House Event, held at the breathtaking Mugam Club in Baku’s Old Town. Youth leaders shared deeply personal stories of struggles and victories from their communities, embodying the spirit of hope and resilience. As the evening transitioned into vibrant networking, I saw a collective will to act – a reminder that unity is our greatest strength in the face of the climate crisis.
On the sidelines of the official COP venue, the event hosted by the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion at Tusi-Bohm Planetarium was a true highlight. Under the creative leadership of Samuel Rubin, Gunjan Nanda, Leia Booth, and Julie Mallat, the event seamlessly blended innovation and storytelling. Beneath the starry dome of the planetarium, discussions on culture and climate unfolded in an immersive format, where celestial visuals framed the urgency of the conversations. This innovative approach left a lasting impression, underscoring the power of creative spaces and storytelling to ignite meaningful dialogue.
During the E+C Pavilion Planetarium Event, I had the opportunity to reflect on my journey as part of the Creative Climate Leadership programme. Facilitated by Julie’s Bicycle, this week-long retreat profoundly shaped my perspective on the intersection of culture and climate action. Sharing these experiences in such a dynamic and immersive space was not only personally fulfilling but also a chance to inspire others to embrace creativity and cultural engagement as integral tools in the climate movement.
Pavilions: A Refuge in Chaos
Amid the bustling pavilions, the Uzbekistan Pavilion stood out as a sanctuary. Designed like a traditional courtyard, with serene water features and remnants of the dying Aral Sea displayed at its centre, it offered a space for reflection and quiet conversation. The hospitality was equally thoughtful, with tea served in intricately designed cups, embodying the warmth and resilience of Uzbek culture. It was a beautiful reminder that there are heartfelt ways to tell difficult stories and connect people to the pressing challenges of climate change.
The Brazilian Pavilion offered a glimpse into what COP30 in Belém could achieve – a celebration of indigenous wisdom and cultural resilience. For someone from the Himalayan region, the Amazonian communities have always been a source of inspiration. Their ability to carve out spaces of influence in global arenas is a testament to the power of indigenous leadership, one I hope to emulate in my own work.
Meeting the Changemakers
COP29 brought together an extraordinary array of individuals working tirelessly to make culture central to climate policy. Meeting Vinicius Gurtler, the Federal Cultural Secretary of Brazil and Ursula Vidal, the Cultural Secretary of Belem was inspiring, as both are spearheading efforts to integrate cultural narratives into climate strategies for the upcoming COP30 in Brazil. Another Brazilian inspiration, Thiago Jesus, the Indigenous lead at the People’s Palace Projects, shared invaluable insights on indigenous leadership in climate action. Adding to this, Marcella, a passionate youth activist from Brazil, brought her unwavering energy and commitment to amplify young voices, offering a glimpse into the vibrant youth leadership shaping the path to Belém.
It was also inspiring to meet and connect with leaders like Karina Larsen – the Entertainment and Culture for Climate Action (ECCA) lead at UNFCCC, Catherine Ellis – Head of Climate Content at BAFTA Albert, Carys Taylor – Head of External Affairs at National Grid, Mahnaz Fancy from the UAE Ministry of Culture, and Katja Iverson, CEO of the Museum for the United Nations. Their leadership and dedication to cultural advocacy set a powerful example of how systemic change can be achieved through creativity and collaboration. Despite their achievements, the humility and warmth stood out, embodying the essence of leadership rooted in purpose and empathy.
Young leaders at COP like Samia Dumbuya (UK Future Leader Youth Delegate), Zamzam Ibrahim (IOM Youth Delegate and Co-Founder of Somalis for Sustainability), and Marina Gomes (Founder of Último Recurso) reminded me of the incredible potential of youth-driven initiatives. Their determination to bring critical agendas to the table is a much needed authentic youth representation.
The Struggles and Strengths of the Movement
While COP29 offered moments of inspiration, it also exposed systemic challenges. The Commonwealth Pavilion, though one of the few spaces with South Asian delegates and conversations, often felt mired in bureaucracy, reminiscent of an Indian government office. On the contrary, the absence of an Indian Pavilion – a glaring void given India’s rich cultural heritage – was disappointing because of the under-capacity of the Indian government and lack of planning.
The overpriced cost of food – 49 Manats (30 EUR / ₹2,500) for a basic meal – was another stark reminder of inequity. Delegates from the Global South, including youth activists, faced impossible choices between stretching limited budgets and going hungry. These moments underscored the urgent need for inclusivity, even within spaces advocating for global equity.
Courage and Inspiration for the Road Ahead
Throughout the week, I found courage and inspiration in the people I met. Traveling daily with Alison Tickell, founder of Julie’s Bicycle, and Anna Guyer, founder of Greenhouse Communications, turned commutes into deep dives into strategy and shared dreams. These two powerhouse women have built organisations that are redefining the role of culture and communication in climate advocacy, and their insights were nothing short of transformative. Each journey with them was an opportunity to exchange ideas, brainstorm approaches, and envision a future where culture is a driving force for climate action.
Outside the formalities of COP, the vibrant streets of Baku’s Old Town, with their blend of Ottoman, Soviet, and Central Asian influences, provided the perfect backdrop for reflection. Wandering through its narrow alleys in the evenings, surrounded by centuries-old architecture illuminated by soft, golden lights, I found a sense of grounding. It was a reminder of the resilience of cultures that have withstood time and change—a parallel to the work we were all there to do: protecting and uplifting cultures under threat from the climate crisis.
Reflecting on the week at COP29
As I left Baku after spending a week participating and attending COP29, I reflected on the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Meeting I attended, a promising step forward for culture-based climate action. Building on the foundation laid last year with the Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action, this meeting brought together cultural ministries and civil society to strategise future steps. The Global Call – a critical mechanism to build momentum to make culture central to climate decision-making, is set to relaunch its public-facing campaign under Alison Tickell’s leadership, bridging gaps between policy and public engagement. It is a testament to the growing momentum behind culture’s role in the climate movement.
COP29 was a mosaic of human stories, a space where culture proved its capacity to heal, connect, and drive action. It also revealed the gaps that remain – the need for greater inclusivity, for systems that amplify marginalised voices, and for policies that place culture at the heart of climate solutions.
As we look toward COP30 in Brazil, the stakes are higher, but so is the potential. The road ahead is both daunting and exhilarating, and I am more determined than ever to push for a world where culture is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of climate action.
We are grateful to be able to support Jazib’s participation through the European Cultural Foundation’s Culture of Solidarity Fund, helping to connect creative climate leadership with climate policy.
