Middlebury cohort participates in global climate solutions at COP30 in Brazil

Four current students in the EPM program (McKenzie Ploen, Emma Holm-Olsen, Amany Darkaoui, and Sylvie Alexander ) and one alumna (María José Vargas Benavides recent EPM graduate) are joining world leaders, scientists, policymakers, industry representatives and delegates from around the globe who will be gathering in the Amazon city of Belém at the 30th United Nations (UN) Conference of the Parties, or COP30. What is the goal of COP? To negotiate national responses to climate change on a global level. COP30, the 30th conference, aims to accelerate the implementation with a focus on finance pledges and equitable engagement. This is the first time the COP has been held in Brazil.

Each has prepared with intention. As representatives of the Middlebury observer delegation at COP30, they will lead panel discussions around climate finance and the role of higher education in climate policy. They will also be volunteering for the Ocean Pavilion and the youth and indigenous delegations. Travel to COP30 for the delegation is generously supported by Middlebury’s Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation, Kathryn Wasserman Davis Collaborative in Conflict Transformation, and the Center for Blue Economy.

Importantly, the delegation will also be updating the broader Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network with live sessions, posts, and answering questions from the network. This professional network of students, staff, faculty and alumni across Middlebury College, Schools, and the Institute has been an incredible opportunity to connect a community with shared interests. The network was initiated in 2025 with generous support from Middlebury’s Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation.

On Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 10:00am PT, Amany, McKenzie, Emma, and Sylvie joined host Angela Izi (current student at MIIS) via Zoom as she hosted a breakout session at Middlebury VT “What Works Now?  Middlebury Fall Climate Forum.”   The room in VT was full of engaged participants, including Bill McKibben who asked some good questions, and here at the Monterey MIIS campus, we joined from the atrium of the Center for the Blue Economy.   We learned that Amany helped to draft the policy document for the youth delegation on the Just Transition (equitable transition from the fossil fuel economy), and she was in negotiation sessions for the final language included in the policy with high level delegates like Governor Gavin Newsom.  China and the G7 nations had signed on to the policy document as presented by the youth delegation, while others (like the EU) were holding out.   

Sylvie was a part of the ocean delegation, trying to get the ocean solutions visibility in the climate solution conversation.   The oceans have been underrepresented at previous COPs.  

Students commented on the protests (both peaceful and violent), and the level of control the COP organizers had over the peaceful protestors, down to approving all signs and images (at the risk of losing the COP badge)

It was an engaging session between the two campuses and Belém.    There will be future sessions after the students return, so be sure to sign up for the Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network!

What is the Middlebury Global Climate Policy Network?

The COP Network brings together Middlebury College and MIIS students, alumni, faculty, and staff who share a common interest in international climate policy. The primary goal of this network is to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster deeper understanding of global climate negotiations through direct engagement with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP).  

The network aims to demystify the COP process by creating an experiential learning opportunity for participants, and sharing their knowledge with the broader network community. A key component of this initiative is to support the participation of at least two students and one alum to attend COP30 through the Middlebury observer delegation status. These participants will gain firsthand insight into the complexities and dynamics of international climate negotiations. The network also organizes virtual events before and after COP to share knowledge, insights, and ideas. 

To join the group, any Middlebury student„ alumni, faculty, or staff from the College, Institute or any of the Schools can sign up though this short survey. The group is coordinated through periodic emails to share events and a Linked-In group to share ideas, opportunities, and make professional connections. 

Story written by:  Professor Megan McKenna with some assistance from Rachel Christopherson