In an exciting development, two outstanding students from Dordt University have been selected to participate in the prestigious United Nations climate conference set to take place in Azerbaijan. Beatrice Shackleford and Kaeley Meyer emerged as top candidates from a competitive pool of applicants for the Christian Climate Observers Program (CCOP) 2024, marking a significant achievement for the university.
“What makes this remarkable is not only the opportunity for these students to attend the event in Azerbaijan, but also the chance to engage in meaningful dialogue with fellow Christians, contemplating the critical issues on the agenda,” remarks Dr. Leah Zuidema, vice president for academic affairs at Dordt University. This collaborative environment is poised to foster deep reflection on the complexities of sustainable development and climate action.
Each year, the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Action (UNFCCC) organizes a global gathering known as the Convention of the Parties (COP). This November, Shackleford and Meyer will journey to Baku, Azerbaijan, where they will immerse themselves in an array of meetings, briefings, workshops, and exhibits alongside a diverse group of experts representing 195 different countries. This invaluable experience will expose them to a broad spectrum of perspectives and solutions.
As observers at the conference, they will seize the chance to actively participate in the following initiatives:
- Developing position papers and making formal submissions
- Holding bilaterals with government delegates
- Showcasing and advocating through press conferences and side events and exhibits
- Preparing for dialogues and briefings
“At COP, major organizations are represented, including faith groups,” explains Shackleford. “For a long time, Christians have been absent from COP. As Christians, we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves, so our presence will be to observe, gather stories, discern, and share our insights upon return.” Their involvement aims to bridge the gap between faith and environmental advocacy.
Very few students globally get the honor to attend such a notable international meeting, emphasizing the significance of this opportunity, notes Dr. Jonathan Gingrich, a professor of engineering at Dordt. He affirms that Dordt students indeed possess the capabilities to compete on an international scale and represent their institution proudly.
“The fact that we get to send two of our own students to experience this event is incredible. Kaeley and Beatrice will witness firsthand how policies are discussed on an international level, gaining insights into how communities can engage with these pressing issues from a policy perspective,” he adds, highlighting the educational value of the trip.
In preparation for CCOP, Meyer and Shackleford have engaged in a comprehensive series of classes designed to equip them with the necessary skills for the five key activities of a Christian climate observer. This training includes learning, networking, and prayer, all aimed at honing their abilities to effectively discuss and advocate for climate action. Upon returning from COP29, they will share what they learned with churches, denominations, schools, and other community groups to foster greater awareness and action.
Dordt faculty have offered dedicated support while preparing the students for this significant opportunity, engaging in intentional conversations to develop discerning hearts and minds, remarks Dr. Jeff Ploegstra, dean for foundational and health sciences.
“We are grateful that our students will bring a Christ-centered worldview to the table, engaging thoughtfully and faithfully with these important issues,” he adds, underscoring the university’s commitment to foundational values throughout the experience.
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education grounded in the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University is devoted to equipping students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community for Christ-centered renewal across all areas of contemporary life. Situated in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university recognized for excellence by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
**Interview with Beatrice Shackleford and Kaeley Meyer on Their Participation in the UN Climate Conference**
**Editor:** Thank you both for joining us today. Beatrice, let’s start with you. How does it feel to be selected for the Christian Climate Observers Program at the UN climate conference in Azerbaijan?
**Beatrice:** Thank you for having us! It’s truly an honor to be selected. I’m excited about the opportunity to engage with various leaders and experts on critical climate issues. It’s not just a personal achievement, but I see it as a chance to represent our university and the Christian community as we work towards environmental sustainability.
**Editor:** Kaeley, can you share what excites you the most about attending the conference?
**Kaeley:** Absolutely! I’m really looking forward to experiencing the collaborative discussions and workshops. The chance to develop position papers and engage in dialogues with government delegates is thrilling. Plus, being part of a cohort that prioritizes faith in environmental advocacy makes this experience even more special.
**Editor:** Dr. Leah Zuidema mentioned the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue. How do you both plan to approach this while at the COP?
**Beatrice:** Our goal is to observe and absorb as much information as possible. We will also engage in storytelling to highlight the Christian perspective on love and stewardship for creation. We aim to bridge faith and environmental advocacy by sharing insights when we return.
**Kaeley:** Exactly! We aim to gather diverse perspectives and create an open dialogue about sustainable practices. Faith groups can play a significant role in these discussions, and we’re eager to fill that gap.
**Editor:** Dr. Jonathan Gingrich remarked on the significance of your participation. What impact do you hope this experience will have on your peers and the wider community when you return?
**Kaeley:** We hope to inspire our fellow students and community members to take action in their own environmental efforts. By sharing our insights and experiences from the conference, we want to show that every voice matters, especially those of young Christians who care deeply about our planet.
**Beatrice:** Yes, we want to encourage a mindset shift where faith and climate action are seen as interconnected. We’re ready to return and lead discussions about what we’ve learned and how we can implement those lessons in our local community.
**Editor:** Thank you, Beatrice and Kaeley, for sharing your enthusiasm and insights. We look forward to hearing about your experiences at the conference and the positive impact you will bring upon your return!
