Pune: VIBGYOR Group of Schools, a leading chain of K-12 schools, marked a significant milestone as the sole representatives from Mumbai, Pune and Vadodara at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 16 to November 20, 2024.
The event, organised by the United Nations, is the world’s premier climate change summit, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, NGOs, and activists to address the most pressing climate challenges facing our planet. This visit, under the aegis of Climate Academy, VIBGYOR—the only one in Asia—offered students a unique opportunity to engage with peers worldwide and gain valuable insights from climate experts and influencers.
At COP29, VIBGYOR students participated in a specialised course led by the Centre for International Sustainable Development Law (CISDL). With insights from top experts representing UN-Environment, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the course delved into crucial laws and frameworks for sustainable development, financial flows for low-carbon resilience, and pathways to fully implementing the Paris Agreement. This hands-on learning experience gave the students the knowledge and tools to contribute to global sustainability efforts.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for representing VIBGYOR at COP29. Their participation in this prestigious event not only showcases their commitment to sustainability but also reflects our core values of nurturing globally conscious leaders. This experience will inspire them to take meaningful action and become catalysts for positive change, driving solutions for a sustainable future,” said Kavita Kerawalla, Vice-Chairperson of VIBGYOR Group of Schools.
Additionally, the students had the opportunity to attend engaging sessions with global thought leaders. Philippe Birker – Co-Founder of Climate Farmers discussed regenerative agrifood systems, emphasising sustainable agriculture’s role in climate action. Martin Harper – CEO of Birdlife International shared conservation success stories from local to global scales. Interactive sessions on climate resilience, health, and mental well-being featured advocates like Kaluki Paul Mutuku – Kenya-based climate advocate and an environmental defender and Alexander Pohl – Wim Hof Method Instructor fostering discussions on climate’s broader impacts. Unique experiences, including fireside chats, panel discussions, and an event with the Wisdom Keeper Delegation, inspired students to think critically and act on pressing environmental challenges. These activities enriched their understanding and commitment to sustainability.
“Attending COP29 has been a life-changing experience. Engaging with global leaders, learning about innovative solutions, and understanding the real-world impact of climate action have inspired me to think beyond boundaries. The certificate course deepened my knowledge of sustainable laws, while sessions with thought leaders like Philippe Birker and Martin Harper sparked new ideas. This journey has not only empowered me to act but also reaffirmed my belief that youth can drive meaningful change for a sustainable future,” said one of our VIBGYOR student representatives.
As part of their cultural immersion, VIBGYOR students also visited ADA School in Azerbaijan, where they explored the country’s educational landscape. This visit provided a unique opportunity for students to discover cultural and academic similarities and differences, further broadening their global perspective and understanding of international education systems.
VIBGYOR’s involvement in COP29 reflects its ongoing dedication to providing its students with global exposure and learning opportunities that shape them into responsible, informed leaders prepared to take on the challenges of the future.
