On September 3rd, the 2024‘Climate x’ Leadership Training Program, hosted by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC), successfully held the first live session, focusing on Global Climate Governance.

Dr. Carola Klöck, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the Centre for International Research (CERI) of Sciences Po led the session. She works on the politics of climate change adaptation and global climate change negotiations with a focus on small (island) states.

The session provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in international climate talks. It aimed to elucidate these intricacies by covering the history of the UN climate negotiation process, exploring the inequalities impacting negotiation dynamics, discussing key issues in current climate negotiations, and examining the role and challenges of small states in global climate talks. Her insights on international climate politics, particularly her emphasis on small island states, proved invaluable for future climate leaders, adding a crucial perspective to the global climate dialogue, and enhancing their understanding of the complexities of global climate governance.

During this lecture, students explored the extensive history of prolonged COP negotiations, tracing the evolution from the Kyoto Protocol through the optimism of "Hopenhagen" at COP 15, and culminating in the Paris Agreement. The discussion then shifted to the inherent inequalities in these negotiations. Small island states, often marginalized in these discussions, have effectively amplified their voices through the formation of coalitions like AOSIS. Successful strategies highlighted include the use of moral discourse, the pursuit of common interests, fostering cooperation, and active participation.

Hosted by GAUC, the program was strategically supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and GAUC's global partners, aims to empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and tools to become the climate leaders of tomorrow. The program inspires participants to envision a sustainable future, take meaningful action, and unlock their potential as leaders for a carbon-neutral future.

The next session of the 2024 Climate x Leadership Training Program took place on September 5th, also focusing on Global Climate Governance. This lecture will be hosted by Prof. Takamura from the University of Tokyo, continuing the exploration of critical themes in climate leadership and action from an asian perspective.

Reportor：Ayazhan Nurpeiis, Maximilian Arras

Editor: Najiang An

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