Attending COP29 this year was a privilege. Thanks to the support of the Global Greengrants Fund and CBM Global Disability Inclusion, I was able to carry out two missions: promote our petition championing the inclusion of sunscreen on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicine List and join the collective push for the formal UNFCCC or COP Observer Status for the Disability Caucus.
Compared to last year’s COP28 event in Dubai, where I only had access to the Green Zone, this year I was given access to the Blue Zone. It was a completely different experience; I was able to access more events and meet more people, especially other disability rights advocates.
I arrived at COP29 ready to learn, advocate, collaborate, and build new partnerships. However, the reality of navigating a global platform as a person with albinism brought with it some challenges.
The Weight of Representation
One of the daunting experiences was realizing I was likely the only delegate with albinism actively advocating for the inclusion of sunscreen on the WHO’s Essential Medicines List. Language barriers compounded this isolation; other attendees with albinism who could’ve joined the campaign didn’t speak the same language as me. Through constant repetition, I felt the weight of representing an entire community on my own.
There were some attendees who were genuinely curious and supportive, but I also felt that some others were disengaged. One particularly disheartening moment came when I noticed abandoned leaflets on tables after a session. It was hard not to feel discouraged, especially when online petition signatures remained stagnant despite my efforts.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned from attending COP29 was the reminder of timing your advocacy messaging. At global events such as these where hundreds of activists and advocates are all trying to get their message across in a short amount of time, it’s important to think strategically.
For example, I struggled with how I was going to introduce the petition at a Climate Action Network (CAN) meeting focusing on fossil fuels. So, I shifted my approach to having one-on-one conversations with participants instead, which had a much bigger impact on getting the message across.
Advocacy Breakthroughs
Amid the challenges, my experience was, for the most part, filled with positive connection and learning. I attended the daily meetings of the Disability Caucus, where I met different advocates, promoted our petition, and learned the different strategies to push for the UNFCCC’s official recognition of the Disability Caucus. The People’s Plenary was also one of the most significant moments at COP29, as it provided a platform for the Disability Caucus to make a public statement. Aneth Gerana Isaya, a disability rights advocate and Deaf woman from Tanzania, delivered a speech on behalf of the Disability Caucus, calling for its official recognition by the UNFCCC. The plenary was a platform for the Disability Caucus and the petition was shared with a larger audience.
From the discussions I had in the sessions on Disability Rights and the Climate Crisis and Inclusive Climate Justice for All, it was clear that the climate crisis exacerbates existing inequalities, and persons with disabilities, including those with albinism, are disproportionately affected. I saw firsthand how these challenges often go unaddressed in official climate negotiations.
One highlight came when a group of human rights activists enthusiastically supported the petition. Their leader insisted that everyone in the room sign and even helped me to distribute the leaflets. These interactions reminded me why persistence is key in advocacy work.
Looking Ahead
The path forward is clear: responses to the climate crisis must be inclusive and responsive to our needs as a community.
For people with albinism, this means ensuring equitable access to sunscreen, skin cancer prevention programs, and protective gear. It also requires amplifying our voices in global platforms like COP.
To funders and other stakeholders, your support is crucial. Here’s how you can help:
- Capacity Development: Support training that empowers persons with disabilities, including persons with albinism, to engage in climate change discussions at the policy level.
- Access: Support efforts to secure UNFCCC observer status for the Disability Caucus.
- Collaborations and Partnerships: Partner with disability-focused organizations to amplify advocacy efforts and drive systemic change.
For advocates with disabilities, including persons with albinism, who wish to participate in global platforms to make their voices heard: Plan meticulously and build strong and long-term relationships rather than expecting immediate results. Advocacy is a long-term endeavor, and each connection, no matter how small, feeds into your larger goals.
Finally, my experience at COP29 reaffirmed my commitment to advocating for disability-inclusive climate justice and highlighted the resilience of our community. While the road ahead is long, the collective power of partnerships and persistence gives me hope for a more equitable and just future.
Read more here about our collaboration with CBM Global: https://cbm-global.org/news/sunscreen-for-people-with-albinism
Sign and share the petition: https://africaalbinismnetwork.org/petition/
Photo credits:
- Photo 1: Eugenio Cardoso, Human Rights Defender with albinism from Angola
- Photo 2: Mark Barrell, Director of Advocacy and Influencing at CBM UK, Kwame Andrews Daklo – Advocacy Manager at AAN, Mahbub Kabir – Advocacy & Inclusion Advisory Manager at CBM Ireland
