The buildings of Baku are a mashup of multiple distinct architectural styles, Slavic influence competing with palm trees. It is in that way that host country and conference are similar. Distinct groups are coming together to create one single entity. It is certainly a palpable feeling, one that I have experienced many times over the past 2 days. You see, I have found myself routinely coming back to the Korean pavilion, their panels and talks concerning nature-based solutions and international collaboration as fascinating as they are technical.
In the 4 sessions I have attended, I am almost always the only foreigner. This is not a fact that has gone overlooked, either. On the first night, one of the panelists came up to me afterwards to say that he was going to switch to Korean but then noticed I was still in the audience. The same professor recognized me in a session today after doing a double take. Not only are the topics interesting, but the people are nice too. Apparently concerned about a lack of attendees, 2 different people working at the pavilion came over to talk and give me candy. They seemed somewhat surprised that I was excited for the biochar presentation. Even though my chosen career path has nothing to do with sustainable farming techniques, learning about current advancements is essential in understanding how the environment will continue to be impacted by humanity.
Korea is not often considered when countries leading the battle against the climate crisis are discussed. Not only is Korea strategically reducing their own emissions, they are collaborating with other countries like Kyrgyzstan as a way to aid other country’s efforts. As the United States faces uncertainty regarding its future within the climate crisis, it is important that countries like Korea are appropriately recognized for their work and their potential as leaders. While not necessarily an economic powerhouse like China or the United States, Korea still possesses vast potential as a qualified expert in climate mitigation and adaptation. Korea has solutions for the future. And so they need to be included in preparing for the future.