My reflection of the experience from the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27

Last Updated (Tuesday, 06 December 2022 13:44)

↑ COP27 commenced on 7th Nov, 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh	↑ World YMCA delegate and GS of YMCA of Hong Kong

Greenhouse gases emissions has reached record high this year and everyone should fight very hard to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels to reach net zero carbon emissions. As an enthusiastic engineer, I am dedicated to driving meaningful and positive change to climate issues in the aspect of mitigation and adaptation. 

I feel blessed that Mr. Peter Ho, our General Secretary of YMCA of Hong Kong is fully on board that we should promptly address climate change issues and strongly supported me as one of the youth delegates of the World YMCA Alliance in the 27th Conference of Parties, The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27). 

Organised in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, COP27 is a meeting of world governments, researchers, IGOs and NGOs, with an aim to address rising temperatures. It provided a platform for me to immerse in different climate conversations on Just Transitions, Innovative Solutions of Future of Energy & Water Security, Food Security, Pioneering Finance for Climate & Development, and The Sustainability of Vulnerable Communities. The theme of the COP27 was Together for Implementation, which was very relevant to the issues all nations have been striving for. 

A wide variety of pavilions organised by different nations, NGOs or private sectors were showcased on how each has worked towards climate resilience and stayed relevant to the current situation and conditions. Children and Youth Pavilion, the first ever in the history of climate conference, was of particular significance to me as it highlighted the importance of engaging and empowering voices of youth leaders, and fostering our inclusion in the global climate conversation and policy-making.

↑ World YMCA delegates from Hong Kong, Mexico, Germany and USA representing youth voices	↑ Bilateral Meeting with Ms. Camila Zapeda, General Director of Global Affairs at Mexican Ministry of Foreign

I also enjoyed the very informative and interactive session of bilateral meeting in conversation with Ms. Camila Zepeda, Head of the Mexican Delegation and General Director of Global Affairs at Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which discussed how she has been advocating for Just Transition for inclusive, sustainable and resilient development, with a focus on Adaptation in Mexico, which arranged by the Children and Youth Constituency to UNFCCC, YOUNGO. 

I also had the opportunity to witness the announcement by Mr. John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate and Dr. Yasmine Fouad, Minister of Environment of the Arabic Republic of Egypt; among others, the full package of support, pledges, and initiatives to accelerate adaptation in the African continent. In addition, it is encouraging that the climate ambassadors have reached a deal to set up a “loss and damage” fund for poorer countries battling extreme weather caused by decades of carbon pollution from the developed world. It has proven to be an insightful and practical conference where delegates, regardless of nationality, race and gender would benefit from being part of it. 

Last but not the least, it is truly my great honour to have met our former Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Wong Kam-sing, joined by Director of the YMCA of Hong Kong, Mr. Ip Chung Man, Tony, to discuss The United Nations Climate Change Conference and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plans prior to attending COP 27.

After COP 27, Pace continues serving as a convenor of Green Task Force of the YMCA of Hong Kong, which gathers a group of low carbon transformation leaders to work towards our vision 2030, to establish low carbon actions by enhancing the knowledge and building the capacity of youth, and setting collective quantifiable sustainable goals. As a member of the Community of Impact on Climate Change in World YMCA, she will strive to ensure timely and successful implementation of sustainable initiatives.

↑ U.S. Special Presidential Encoy for Climate was on the stage of COP27	↑ Meeting with HK Former Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Wong Kam-sing and Director of the YMCA of HK, Mr. Ip Chung Man, Tony

~ By Pace NG, Director of Facilities Management of YMCA of Hong Kong