Lucas Allen, COP30 Youth Delegate for UNA-Canada
Coming to COP30 has truly been an experience. In November, I had the opportunity to travel to Brazil and attend the world’s largest annual climate conference as a Canadian Youth Delegate.
The long journey felt daunting at first: hours of anticipation, connections, and the feeling of being so far from home. But arriving in Belém, Brazil on the edge of the Amazon made every moment worth it.
I met negotiators, delegates and observers from different areas of government, academia, industries and non-governmental organizations. Each conversation felt like it had potential to spark a new idea in some way. As a youth delegate, I moved between negotiations, side events, and country pavilions, always asking myself where youth voices could add value. My mission was simple: bring the perspectives of young Canadians into the global conversation about climate change. It was incredible how open people were to hearing my thoughts and sharing perspectives.
One moment, in particular, captured the essence of my COP30 experience. Right after a World Health Organization event, I approached one of the panelists to introduce myself and share my involvement with climate work in Canada. What I expected to be a brief exchange turned into a thoughtful, honest conversation. He asked questions, reflected on the gaps he saw in global discussions, and then said something I’ll never forget: “We need more voices like yours in these spaces.” The next day, he followed through, inviting me to speak at an event he was hosting at the Youth Pavilion. That invitation wasn’t just about me. It was a message: global leaders genuinely value what young Canadians bring to the table. At COP30, I learned that when youth speak with purpose, people not only listen, they collaborate.
The week was filled with many moments like these. I had the opportunity to speak with Minister Dabrusin, who took the time to listen to my perspective on youth engagement and climate policy. I also met Jeanne-Marie Huddleston, Canada’s Chief Climate Negotiator, who shared insights into how Canada is navigating the negotiations.
A highlight I’ll never forget was my live TV interview on CP24 Breakfast. Speaking directly to Canadians from inside COP30 felt like bridging two worlds — the global negotiations happening in Brazil with millions of Canadians affected by these decisions. I wanted Canadians back home to see what I was seeing: the efforts, the tension, the breakthroughs, and the genuine desire for progress.
And then there were moments outside the formal schedule: the ones that made COP feel human. Dinner gatherings with youth from across the world reminded me that the climate movement is built on connection. We compared our challenges, shared stories from our communities, and imagined what collaboration could look like long after COP30 ends. These friendships and alliances are what stay with me the most.
As I reflect on COP30, I’m filled with both responsibility and hope. The world is clearly transitioning from promises to implementation, and yet there is still so much more work to be done. I’m grateful for every conversation, every opportunity, and every connection. And I’m leaving COP30 more determined than ever to continue this work — amplifying youth voices, strengthening collaboration, and securing our future.
