World Learning earns official observer status at COP 28

Publication Date: February 9, 2024
Publication Location: Washington, DC
Contact: Abby Henson   |   [email protected]

Last fall, World Learning was admitted as an official observer organization to the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held Nov. 30-Dec. 13.

The status gave World Learning representatives who attended COP 28 access to official delegation sessions, meetings, side events, and press conferences that were not open to the public. In addition, the official status allows World Learning permission to attend subsequent COP events.

Taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, COP 28 convened more than 70,000 delegates to find solutions for the climate crisis and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

“At World Learning, we believe a just and peaceful world is also a sustainable world. We demonstrate our commitment to sustainability through programs and partnerships that recognize the urgency of climate change and weave together environmental and social justice,” said World Learning CEO Carol Jenkins.

World Learning’s application for official observer status was prompted by a World Learning-implemented exchange program, “The Road to COP 28: Jordanian Journalists and Communicators’ Climate, Economy, and Water Program.”

The program, sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Jordan, aims to strengthen the environmental journalism skills of a cohort of journalists and public communicators to better inform the public about the severe climate and water crisis facing Jordan. Participants gained a greater understanding of climate, water, and economic issues during trips to San Francisco and Albuquerque last year before heading to COP 28 in November. While there, the participants met with high-level stakeholders, expanded their international networks, and reported on global environmental issues relevant to Jordan’s own challenges.

“We are very proud to hold observer status for COP,” Jenkins said. “While the program for journalists from Jordan was the first official engagement with the UNFCCC, World Learning intends to implement more programs like this in the future.”