Hope Out of Egypt

By Nathalia Lawen

I recently returned from Egypt, where I attended COP27, the UN’s annual climate change conference. It was truly an honor representing my country, the Seychelles, on such an important matter, at one of the biggest meetings regarding climate change.

I was there as a youth representative for Peace Boat’s Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador program, co-sponsored by Blue Planet Alliance and Peace Boat, and also as part of the Seychelles delegation.

Blue Planet Alliance is a nonprofit that is working with island countries — like mine — and helping them transition to 100% renewable energy by 2045. Peace Boat is a non-governmental international organization that organizes global voyages promoting peace and sustainability through educational programs focused on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. One of the many great programs Peace Boat runs is the Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador program, of which I took part in its 101st Global Voyage. This program brings youth leaders from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which are on the front line of climate change and marine degradation, to travel onboard Peace Boat’s ship, engaging in capacity building and bringing their message to citizens and government representatives through the voyage. The mission of both of these nonprofit organizations really resonates with me. 

Climate change is a threat to the survival of human beings. Although, sadly, some of us are more vulnerable to its effects than others. Meetings such as the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP) are incredibly important, as they provide a platform for country representatives to have this important conversation.

Nathalia Lawen, an environmental advocate from the Seychelles, speaking at COP27 in Egypt, with Peace Boat Ecoship Founder Tatsuya Yoshioka. Lawen is also a Blue Planet Alliance Global Ambassador.

COP can be seen as a recurring event that requires more real action, to some, but for us from Large Ocean states, this meeting represents a place where we can bring on a stronger fight and have our voices heard. My hope is that world leaders finally join hands for real action.

My home country is just one of many that are at a higher vulnerability to the effects of climate change. Seychelles is also home to a diverse variety of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to Seychelles. With climate change, we have seen a rise in sea temperatures causing coral bleaching and coastal erosion, as well as a change in the monsoon seasons.

I spent my time at COP27 observing a few negotiations and advocating for the environment. The power, will, and enthusiasm from civil and non-governmental organizations outside of the negotiating rooms were mesmerizing. This was often absent from negotiation rooms, where it could almost feel exasperating and hopeless at times. I have massive amounts of respect for a negotiator’s work — it is not easy being in there. Especially when you are negotiating for the survival of your people and to prevent the loss of your land. For this reason, I highly commend their work. 

And that energy was contagious. Much of it was sparked by Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados, who is a leading advocate for small islands. Her powerful voice is truly inspirational.

The pavilions were filled with so much color, diversity, and hope. I had the opportunity to speak at several events, representing Peace Boat and supported by Blue Planet Alliance. I was surrounded by astounding people from different backgrounds — and all of us had one goal in common: working toward the betterment of our planet.

Nathalia Lawen is an environmental advocate from the Seychelles, an alum of the Peace Boat Ocean and Climate Youth Ambassador Program, and has recently joined the Global Ambassadors for Blue Planet Alliance.