My name is Luisa Neves, and I am an Environmental Management student at the University Center of Sete Lagoas (UNIFEMM). On December 8th, I applied for an internship position with the EcoCitizen team during COP30, held in Belém do Pará, my hometown.
What I didn’t imagine was that, from that moment on, everything in me would change: my ideas, my mindset, my future plans, and most importantly, my purpose in the world.
Having a COP hosted in the city where I grew up was more than a privilege; it was a dream come true.
I have watched as Belém has transformed itself over the years, but I never imagined that one day it would become the center of global climate discussions. Neither did I imagine that I would be there experiencing everything so closely! The COP30 experience touched me deeply… Perhaps even radically.
The intense, fast-paced routine was also incredibly rewarding. It fueled a growing thirst for knowledge that overcame any exhaustion.
COP30 touched me in a profound, almost radical way. Each day was intense, exhausting, and at the same time, fascinating. Moving between events, pavilions, debates and meetings, my curiosity only grew stronger. Culture, biodiversity, nature- based solutions (NBS), environmental finance, social impacts… Everything took on a new dimension before my eyes. I gained a new understanding of the complexity, and the beauty, of the climate agenda. Even on the most tiring days, a full night of rest was enough to recharge me for the next day.
The EcoCitizen team welcomed me with a warmth that I will never forget. Our cultural differences quickly turned into exchange, learning and connection.
Adriana González, UNFCCC Expert, and former COP negotiator for Costa Rica, now Director of EcoCitizen quickly brought me up to speed and introduced me to the amazing women of this scientific not-for-profit from Luxembourg who have a presence that resonates from Europe, through Latin America, and throughout the world.
Adriana is an extraordinary woman who is part of my new list of inspiring female figures, people who I see I can learn from, and help in our common missions.
As Director, Adriana was leading the all-woman EcoCitizen team that had the honor and the massive challenge to set up and run the Luxembourg national pavilion. I got the chance to see first-hand how she dealt professionally with so many challenges to do with the COP venue, logistics, even floods and fires! But she always stayed so serene. She also welcomed many high-level VIPs, dignitaries, ministers and ambassadors, representatives of indigenous peoples, as well as so many young people! She dedicated time to make everyone feel welcome and listened to so attentively. She curated and welcomed so many inspiring events in the program, and convened many diplomatic meetings with great grace. I take so many lessons as a young woman from Adriana, I am truly grateful and honored to have worked with her.
The halls of COP30 marked me with so many more encounters I’ll carry with me for life.
I exchanged ideas, listened to stories, shared dreams, and discovered perspectives that expanded my horizons. Many times, I found myself remembering the younger Luísa, passionate about the environment, forests and social justice and I felt proud of the woman she is becoming.
My desire to make a difference has been something much bigger than recognition. It has always been about leaving a positive legacy, about contributing to a fairer, more balanced, and more conscious way of caring for our planet.
I was a child full of dreams, and full of hope. Today, my greatest wish is that this hope reaches other children, young people, and future generations. That their world may be more just, less unequal, and more committed to safeguarding life in all its forms.
As the future professional I want to become, observing debates among leaders, negotiators, observers, and the press was an invaluable learning experience. I could see, feel, and understand the strength, and the challenges of climate negotiations.
I had a main task of accompanying Salvatore Coppola-Finegan, a negotiator for Guatemala, expert advisor to their Head of Delegation, and to two Ministries.
I quickly realized that working with Salvatore was a unique challenge. It was not an easy task (not only because he walks very fast) but because he sets such a strong example and expects high standards in response to the crises we are facing as humanity in climate, nature, and society. Every step alongside him taught me valuable lessons about leadership, management, and global perspective on very technical topics of forestry, climate, nature and social aspects.
Salvatore is truly inspiring: a scientific researcher, writer, mentor, and above all, I am honored to now consider a great friend.
What impressed me the most was that, despite all his responsibilities, how well he is recognized and known, he seems not to have lost his coherence nor his simplicity in the way he treats people. I witnessed up close the gentle way he returned the affection of the people of Belém, his respect for local culture, and the ease with which he gained friendship and admiration wherever he went.
Among the many striking moments, one touched my heart most deeply: the presence and power of women.
It was memorable for me to witness so many women speak up with such clarity and strength at COP30. The approval of the Gender Action Plan was truly emotional. It represents historical justice, genuine inclusion, and the recognition that women, especially those from vulnerable communities, are essential in addressing the climate crisis.
Another unforgettable part of this journey was my experience at the Luxembourg National Pavilion. This was where EcoCitizen was chosen to be the host, supporting the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Biodiversity of the Grand Duchy. There, I found warmth, respect, and a remarkable cultural sensitivity. I had the opportunity to meet Ministers, Ambassadors, Directors, NGO representatives and so many more, as well as share with members of the EcoCitizen team, who showed genuine admiration for Amazonian culture, treating it with curiosity and care. It was one of the highlights of COP: something I will always be grateful for. This experience allowed me to meet incredible people not just from EcoCitizen, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Luxembourg, but also fellow Brazilians! So many generous, brilliant, and deeply humane individuals. I leave this COP with great inspiration and friends I will carry with me for life.
Belém, so often targeted by stereotypes about our food, our accent, and our unique way of being, shined before the world. And it shined with strength, authenticity, and pride. And I can say, on behalf of many paraenses: it was an honor to welcome every person who came here to build dialogues, alliances, and real solutions for the planet.
COP30 was not just a conference for me, nor just another event. I think it was a turning point in my education, my awareness, my purpose and as a human being.
I return home with more courage, more knowledge, more connections, and an even stronger desire to work for a better world. And above all, I return with the certainty that the hope I carry, the same hope I had as a little girl… can and must continue resonating through future generations.
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