The Youngest Scholars in the UN COP29 Blue Zone Are WIS Students
As the countdown to the 10th anniversary celebration of Hangzhou Wahaha International School (WIS) begins, three WIS students traveled to Azerbaijan to participate in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, bringing honor to their school through their dedication to environmental protection.
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) recently commenced with great fanfare in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. This globally significant event brought together government representatives, experts, scholars, and youth leaders from around the world to explore effective strategies and solutions for tackling climate change.
At such a high-profile conference, the presence of every young participant is truly remarkable and invaluable:
Nuo Lai (Grade 4), Leonardo Lai (Grade 5) and Iris Wu (Grade 5) from WIS made history as the first participants under the age of 16 to be officially registered in the Blue Zone.
COP29 will feature two primary activity zones:
the Blue Zone and the Green Zone
The Blue Zone of the conference is managed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat and is accessible only to representatives of the Parties, intergovernmental organizations, UN agencies, and observers. It will host official negotiations among the Parties, the World Climate Action Summit, and national exhibitions.
The Green Zone is managed by the COP29 Presidency (Azerbaijan) and is designed as an inclusive platform for non-accredited representatives from various sectors. It welcomes participation from the public and private sectors, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, researchers, the public, youth groups, civil society, academia, and artists. The Green Zone provides a space for exchanging visions and ideas about a zero-carbon future and fostering meaningful dialogues and collaborations.
They delivered speeches, held meetings, and shared ideas in the Blue Zone, showcasing the vitality and enthusiasm of the youth.
The Youngest Scholars Sharing Their Stories
Leonardo, Nuo, and Iris, representing all Chinese youth, bravely delivered a keynote speech titled “Leadership in Nature Conservation and Green Innovation” at COP29.
Leonardo proposed a green energy solution by leveraging AI to develop a Cycling Energy System for fitness centers.
Nuo designed an AI-powered carbon footprint tracking game, transforming the complex concept of carbon reduction into a fun and interactive experience.
Iris, as the founder of the Super✖️kids brand, led a project to recycle and redesign old clothing, successfully launching an eco-friendly yarn sock line to replace traditional fast-fashion products.
The three students engaged in equal dialogue and deep exchanges with elites from around the world, actively demonstrating their commitment and responsibility to climate change issues. They vividly illustrated the driving role that young people can play in environmental matters.
At COP29, as part of the diverse agenda and discussion sessions, the three students had the unique opportunity to engage with notable global figures such as Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU); Erik Solheim, former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP; and Jerry Huang, President of the Harvard Undergraduate AI and Sustainability Group. Together, they explored cutting-edge issues and innovative solutions in climate change.
Lighting Up the Arctic
One of their most impressive contributions was initiating and organizing the international event “Lighting Up the Arctic”.
Through advocacy and creative outreach, the event sought to draw global attention to the ecological changes in the Arctic and rally international efforts to tackle polar climate challenges.
Overcoming numerous obstacles, the students meticulously planned every detail, from crafting the conference agenda and designing promotional materials to coordinating resources and stakeholders.
Even late into the night, they convened meetings to ensure that no aspect of the preparation was overlooked.
This initiative showcased their global perspective, proactive mindset, and outstanding leadership skills, solidifying their unique role and significant contributions to global climate action.
Their exceptional performance at COP29 attracted widespread attention from international media. Leading outlets such as Canada’s CBC, Azerbaijan’s Baku Radio, and the US-AZ Cultural Foundation interviewed and featured the trio extensively.
Beyond their own initiatives, the students took the opportunity to engage with high-level representatives, including Alexandra Sdoukou, Secretary General of Greece’s Ministry of Environment and Energy. They discussed the current state and future directions of global climate governance, exchanging insights and ideas.
The Confidence to Change the World
Comes from Our Unit of Inquiry
At WIS, the Unit of Inquiry (UOI) forms the cornerstone of our IB curriculum. Through its transdisciplinary approach, UOI allows students to explore essential concepts, think critically, and engage with real-world challenges.
This commitment was vividly demonstrated when three students participated in COP29, where they shared insights on climate change and proposed actionable solutions to address this pressing global issue. This opportunity exemplified a key component of the IB inquiry cycle—taking action—as the students applied their learning to inspire and drive change beyond their immediate environment.
At the time, Grade 4 students were engaged in a unit focused on children’s rights and responsibilities, exploring how their choices carry consequences and understanding the importance of accountability. Meanwhile, Grade 5 students were investigating beliefs and values, reflecting on their roles as positive role models in society. Both units were framed within the transdisciplinary theme of “Who We Are,” emphasizing identity, relationships, and the human experience.
Building on these inquiries, the participating students demonstrated how learning can transcend the classroom. Their contributions to the global conference showed a remarkable ability to integrate knowledge, take initiative, and inspire action. These students embodied the core values of WIS—being risk-takers, acting responsibly, and serving as role models for peers and adults alike.
At WIS, we aim to cultivate students who are not only learners but also leaders and changemakers. By taking informed action and demonstrating their capacity to make a difference, our students prove that education is not confined to textbooks but is a powerful tool for transforming the world.
Together, we are fostering a generation that strives for excellence, innovation, and compassion in every endeavor.
