Reflecting on day eight of COP29, I am feeling disheartened with the global community. While I have been inspired by Indigenous representatives worldwide and their determination to address climate change, I am currently feeling lost.
A Disappointing Meeting
Today, we had a meeting with a significant U.S. government agency leader and their assistant. The purpose was to discuss how the agency can better engage young people under the new administration and incorporate youth perspectives permanently. However, the meeting took a frustrating turn.
Instead of meaningful dialogue, the discussion was dominated by three youth “leaders” from climate change conferences, leaving little room for others to contribute. The agency head seemed more interested in their opinions, ignoring the diverse voices present. This experience highlighted the lack of genuine community engagement from these self-proclaimed leaders.
The most concerning part was when one of these so-called leaders falsely claimed Indigenous identity, only to backtrack when pressed for details. This deception undermined genuine Indigenous representation and exposed the lack of authenticity in their actions.
Questioning Authenticity
This encounter made me realize that not all representatives at COP meetings truly represent grassroots and community work. Many individuals attend these events to showcase their activism without genuinely supporting marginalized communities.
It is crucial for young people to learn the values of collectivism and equality to prevent exploitation and dishonesty within advocacy spaces. Genuine voices and inclusive dialogue are essential for creating impactful change.
Jen is a Climate Generation Window Into COP delegate for COP29. Explore the full delegation, support our delegates, and subscribe to the Window Into COP digest.
Jen (Nape Mato Win) is an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. Since the KXL pipeline threatened treaty territory of the Dakotas, Jen has been passionate about a world beyond fossil fuels and centering Indigenous voices, culture, and history. Jen is also a beadwork artist, Indigenous gardener, and received a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Augsburg University. She believes that positive cultural and ancestral based knowledge are vital components to Indigenous resiliency. Currently, Jen is the Environmental Justice and Stewardship Programs Manager at Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi, an East Side St. Paul, Minnesota – Indigenous led environmental nonprofit that stewards the sacred site known as Wakan Tipi.
