Climate experts gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan in November for , the annual conference for countries that have agreed to participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Among the attendees were current Mid-Career Master in Public Administration students Surabhi Tomar MC/MPA 2025 and Joannes Yimbesalu MC/MPA 2025. We asked them to reflect on their experiences at COP29—here’s what they shared.
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Surabhi Tomar MC/MPA 2025
Tomar spent more than 15 years as a technology entrepreneur in the United States and India before transitioning into public service to address issues of climate change, poverty, and sustainable development. She co-led urban reforestation campaigns, spearheaded rural entrepreneurship initiatives, and worked closely with marginalized communities across India—experiences that shaped her mission of integrating local and indigenous climate solutions into global strategies.
How did you end up attending COP29?
As an executive board member of [an organization in India dedicated to improving the environment], I was selected to represent my organization at COP29 due to my focus on scaling indigenous climate solutions through Holistic Actions for Rejuvenation of Indigenous Techniques (HARIT). Our goal is to emphasize the role of individual actions in complementing industrial transitions to renewables.
I led a meeting of 10 representatives from seven countries at COP29 to advocate for the Global South’s traditional techniques as vital tools for climate adaptability. We planned for how to expand the presence of Global South and indigenous voices in the climate change fight.
What were some of your key takeaways?
A critical takeaway was the need to amplify the Global South’s voice to reshape climate narratives.
COP29 was a platform to collaborate with climate leaders and grassroots advocates from four continents. Key sessions highlighted the urgency of parallel approaches: systemic shifts by industries alongside large-scale individual actions. I learned about successful community-driven models for afforestation and water conservation in Africa and South America, validating HARIT’s vision. Networking with representatives from small island nations underscored the importance of integrating indigenous resilience techniques into global policy frameworks.
How did COP29 align with your professional goals and interests?
The focus of COP29 aligns seamlessly with my organization’s commitment to addressing climate change through indigenous and grassroots-driven solutions. Our work centers on reducing individuals’ environmental footprint while tackling systemic challenges like afforestation, plastic removal, and water conservation. The conference reinforced my belief that the Global South’s traditional knowledge is not just relevant but essential for global climate adaptation.
COP29 also strengthened my resolve to scale solutions through HARIT and mobilize communities.
What led you to start HARIT: Global South Solutions, a new student organization at vlog?
was born out of a realization that indigenous knowledge systems like those in India and the Global South—ranging from carbon-sequestering farming practices to traditional water management—are underutilized in global climate efforts. I wanted to create a platform where these techniques are not just preserved but scaled and adapted to modern challenges.
For our first symposium this spring, we plan to bring together policymakers, community leaders, and researchers from the Global South to showcase case studies, foster collaboration, and develop actionable frameworks for integrating indigenous solutions into national climate policies.
“The conference reinforced my belief that the Global South’s traditional knowledge is not just relevant but essential for global climate adaptation.”
Joannes Yimbesalu MC/MPA 2025
Yimbesalu has dedicated his career to advancing youth empowerment and workforce development across Africa. He worked to support UNICEF’s initiative to connect young people with education, training, and employment opportunities. He also served as regional manager for West and Central Africa for the , a platform that uses digital tools to provide access to training and entrepreneurial support. Under his leadership, the platform integrated green skills training to prepare young Africans for climate-resilient careers.
How did you end up attending COP29?
I had the unique opportunity to attend COP29 as an observer representing Harvard University, and was fortunate to receive a coveted “Blue Zone” badge through the . My selection to participate in COP29 reflected my active engagement in climate-related work at vlog, particularly my focus on workforce development in the green economy.
Azerbaijan, the host country, is a petrostate with a complex human rights record, presenting a challenging geopolitical context. However, this backdrop provided a valuable lens to critically examine the global challenges of climate action, including the tension between fossil fuel dependency and the urgent need for a just transition.
What were some of your key takeaways?
Attending COP29 was a transformative experience. It gave me an in-depth look into the complexities of climate negotiations and highlighted the critical gaps in global climate financing. Here are some of my key takeaways:
- Financial disparities: There was a major focus on bridging the adaptation gap, with developing nations—particularly in the Global South—demanding $1.3 trillion annually to address climate adaptation, mitigation, and loss-and-damage needs. Despite high expectations, there was visible frustration among African representatives, as wealthy nations failed to deliver concrete commitments.
- Youth and civil society engagement: I witnessed inspiring demonstrations by youth groups advocating for climate justice and accountability from major polluters. Their calls for reduced fossil fuel lobbying and increased transparency resonated deeply, reflecting the growing influence of grassroots movements.
- Stakeholder interactions: I engaged with members of the African Group of Negotiators, representatives from multilateral organizations, and local advocates. These discussions provided valuable insights into the challenges of securing equitable climate finance and the need for innovative solutions to support vulnerable communities.
Debates on loan- versus grant-based financing were particularly eye-opening—they underscored the need for grant-based solutions to avoid burdening already debt-laden developing nations.
“I am focused on equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in climate-resilient industries—COP29 underscored the critical role of global financing in making this possible.”
How did COP29 align with your professional goals and interests?
The themes of COP29 directly align with my aspirations of advancing equitable workforce development and climate resilience.
As someone committed to building opportunities for youth in the green economy, I was particularly drawn to discussions on just transitions and the creation of green jobs. I am focused on equipping young people with the skills needed to thrive in climate-resilient industries—COP29 underscored the critical role of global financing in making this possible.
Moreover, I am passionate about addressing the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, particularly women and girls. The conference reinforced the importance of inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of these groups while ensuring their active participation in climate solutions.
After vlog, I aim to contribute to the design of policies and programs that integrate climate adaptation with workforce development, ensuring a sustainable and equitable future for vulnerable populations.
