Matters India Reporter
Kolkata, November 11, 2024: A mother and son duo from a Kolkata school are part of the United Nations Agency for Development and Peace (UNADAP)’s Climate Conference delegation (COP29) to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The first Conference of the Parties (COP) was held in Berlin, Germany, in 1995. COP29 will be held from November 11 to 22.
Kolkata delegates to COP29 are, 14 year old Climate Champion Swanik Choudhury of grade nine and his mother Climate Chaperon Swati Choudhury, a fifth grade teacher, both of Don Bosco School Park Circus Kolkata.
“Swanik, is an accomplished musician and debater, he has taken proactive steps toward environmental conservation, including setting up compost pits, implementing rainwater harvesting, maintaining a kitchen garden, and planting saplings,” says his principal Father V.C. George.
Father George adds: “Swanik’s deep commitment to a greener, cleaner planet makes him an ideal candidate to contribute meaningfully to COP29, as he exemplifies the values of the Green Movement and champions practical, earth-friendly solutions.”
Swati Choudhury has nearly ten years of experience in both preschool and primary education. Known for her engaging teaching style and open communication with parents, she remains committed to educating the next generation in the spirit of scientific discovery and environmental stewardship.
They leave for Baku on November 16 to participate in the second part of COP29.
Five other educational institutions in the UNADAP delegation include Yale School of the Environment (United States); Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (Switzerland); Ryan International School (New Delhi, India); North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) (Nagaland, India); and Ashoka University (New Delhi, India).
“As Blue Zone badge holders, the delegates will have privileged opportunities to engage with world leaders, politicians, and climate experts, gaining invaluable exposure to current climate policies, sustainable development strategies, and global environmental action plans,” UNADAP Executive Director Dominic F. Dixon.
Dixon added: “All participants have received institutional scholarships to meet their entire travel and stay expenses, which speaks volumes about the commitment and collaboration.”
Readers may refer to the link: https://epaper.telegraphindia.com/imageview/489175/5195995/71.html on COP-29 Conference in Baku.
A report of the UN standing committee on finance released on Wednesday on the sidelines of COP29, shows that some of the nations in Asia, led by India, require as high as $4 trillion to implement their officially committed climate action. Pakistan is close behind.
“The scale of climate-induced disasters in the region, the massive adaptation and energy requirements to lift millions of our people in this decade alone will require significantly more funds than the numbers ($3.3-4.9 trillion) on the table right now,” said Sanjay Vashist, the director of Climate Action Network South Asia, in Baku to The Telegraph.
The bottom line is rich countries need to part with their funds and transfer them to Asian nations if they want to get their officially committed climate action implemented.
Congratulations to both mother and son (from Don Bosco School Park Circus) for making it to the Climate Conference in Baku. Hope Don Bosco Park Circus and the Salesian House Kolkata will see much more greenery than it has now!
You duo belongs to an orchestra named CLIMATE whose piping everyone will love to dance. A PROUD MOMENT.