Final-year Law LLB Honours student Shriya Gupta represented the Westminster European Law Students’ Association (ELSA) in the 29th annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). Shriya’s visit was funded by the University’s Student Mobility Team who support student development and global engagement.
Between 11-16 November, Shriya Gupta, the President of ELSA Westminster for the 2024/2025 academic year, attended COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, after being selected as the ELSA Westminster student delegate. ELSA is an international organisation which provides Law students with a platform to develop their skills and professional experience through interacting with other students and practitioners around Europe.
During the conference, which was attended by world-leaders from across the globe, Shriya observed negotiations between countries on critical issues such as loss and damage, the financial goals for the least developed countries (LDCs), and adaptation and mitigation policies. Shriya also participated in discussions on national development plans under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) framework and engaged with representatives from the Ministries of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCCs) of several countries, including Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Italy and Finland.
The visit allowed Shriya to explore the financial aspects of climate action by attending sessions delivered by the World Bank, the Climate Change Fund and other UN organisations, including those focusing on refugees and asylum. These interactions deepened Shriya’s understanding of the intersection between climate change and global finance.
Through supporting Shriya with funding, the University of Westminster has helped develop her academic and professional growth and enhance her network within the climate action and policy sphere, which will help prepare her for her future career.
The University is committed to supporting students with their professional development and employability skills through various funding opportunities for experiences like Shriya’s visit to COP29, such as the Global Experience Bursary and the Ignite Fund.
About the experience Shriya said: “I had the incredible opportunity to witness the COP Conference and represent ELSA Westminster—a truly life-changing experience. This journey was not only inspiring but also a significant milestone in my personal and professional growth. I am deeply grateful to the University of Westminster for their unwavering support which made this moment possible.”
Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement and Employability, commented: “When it comes to engaging with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action and accountability, the university sector in general and our students in particular play a most crucial role. We are proud to see our student Shriya Gupta participate in various activities at COP29, speak out, bring her learning back to the University and be our ambassador. Our commitment to education for sustainable development as outlined in the Being Westminster 2022-2029 strategy involves empowering all students to be responsible global citizens, and Shriya is a shining example of this.”
Shriya’s participation in COP29 directly contributes to the United Nations SDGs 4: Quality Education, 13: Climate Action and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about student funding opportunities at the University of Westminster.
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