Graduate from SETU’s Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social Science, Craig Dower, travelled to Baku, Azerbaijan for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29.
In November 2024, Waterford native Craig had the opportunity to represent the Zero Waste Alliance Ireland (ZWAI) as a board member, by joining the Irish delegation under the invitation of the Irish Environmental Network. This allowed Craig to be immersed in a whirlwind of discussions, debates, and inspiration on a global scale.
Conference highlights
Discussing his highlight of the conference, Craig recalled sitting down with Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communication at the time, Eamon Ryan, and fellow Irish delegates to discuss Ireland's ecological and social future. “Together, we explored Ireland’s evolving role as a global steward and the collective ambitions for COP's future. Later, alongside other Irish youth delegates, I had the privilege of meeting Former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson. We shared thoughts on equity, ambition, and the pressing need for transformative action.”
Reality of challenges
For Craig, the conference brought a mixture of emotions, each day brimming with new ideas, each hour flickering between hope and the stark reality of the challenges ahead. “I attended sessions on climate finance, ocean integrity, social equity, and negotiations around adaptation and mitigation. The conference was not without its frustrations, as negotiations, especially regarding the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), left me feeling that the results fell short of the urgency required,” Craig said.
Experience like no other
On reflection, Craig noted that, “Representing ZWAI at COP29 was an experience like no other. The chance to engage with experts from around the world, witness the complexities of global negotiations, and contribute to critical conversations was profoundly eye opening.
“What stood out most to me was the unwavering passion shared by so many attendees. This passion ignites a hope that future generations will look back on this era and see it as the turning point of when we chose to make the right decisions.”
Proud to be an SETU graduate
As a Social Science graduate from SETU, Craig noted “this experience incites great pride of my roots at SETU. My time in SETU instilled in me an understanding of the multifaceted nature of social structures and sustainability. Having developed an interest in the environment and sustainability while studying at SETU, it was great to put my skills to use and get to see the practical side of decision making at a global level. I am grateful for my time spent as an SETU student as it opened the door to understanding the world around me.
