PhD student represents Strathclyde at COP29
A PhD student was given the opportunity of a lifetime to attend COP29 as the University of Strathclyde’s sole representative.
Angeline Ondeng’e - who has just completed her MBA programme at Strathclyde Business School and has now embarked on a PhD within the Stephen Young Institute – attended COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11-22 as an Observer where she was able to visit COP’s blue and green zones.
“Before doing my MBA I was working with NGOs in Africa, coordinating activities within the finance department; this gave me experience with NGOs and their funding models and I saw a gap because donor funding is never enough. So, my PhD research is concerned with finding an alternative to NGOs so they are sustainable and they can in turn keep on impacting communities in a positive way.
“There’s this narrative that Africa can’t be part of the fight against climate change because we have too many other pressing priorities that we need to address and that we lack the finances to fund climate change solutions. But climate change is something which is universal, it’s not going away and it affects all countries: Africa is responsible for only a fraction of global emissions but is affected disproportionately by its effects.
“When I came to Strathclyde I had the same kind of idea that Africa couldn’t be part of climate change agenda but being at Strathclyde has changed my perspective to see that Africa has the capacity to be part of the global solution also, so long as climate finance is just and equitable.”
Angeline made an application to be the Strathclyde representative in the summer but had no expectation she would be successful. On being selected, she said, “It’s important that the University is giving such opportunities to young people. I have my previous work experience of course but I’m just at the beginning of my PhD in my academic journey. It’s great to get this opportunity as a student, allowing me to gain different perspectives and different experiences.”
She said of the experience: “I had an incredible first week at COP29, where climate finance has taken centre stage in the negotiations. It has been inspiring to see countries and passionate climate advocates pushing for a fair framework. They have emphasized the need for grants rather than loans, quantity and quality as well, and the reality that climate finance is not charity but a commitment for shared progress. The role of technology in addressing the climate crisis has also been in focus, alongside calls for the digital industry to take responsibility of its digital footprint.
“It has been inspiring to see grassroot perspectives influencing negotiations and so many young policymakers actively involved in the negotiations. This is a powerful reminder that the youth can and should be making their mark in these critical discussions.
“Conversations in the side events have emphasised the importance of not losing sight of the broader sustainability goals as we confront the climate crisis. Partnerships have been highlighted as necessary for addressing climate change. University collaboration is particularly key to driving climate action, but this is only achievable if universities have sustainability at the heart of their mission. Everyone is a pollinator of change, and each of us has a role to play in contributing to climate solutions!”