Reflections from Kai Zimmermann, COP Participant Since 2017
Why I Keep Coming Back
I have been taking part in the UN Climate Change Conferences every year since the event in Bonn in 2017. Beyond the content and formal discussions, participating has always been a very personal experience and a source of motivation for me.
During the conference days, I make sure to take plenty of photos and videos, which I later use for our website and social media. For companies and NGOs involved in climate protection and sustainability, being present at COP is more than just attending — it’s a sign of credibility and quality. It draws public attention, and it’s smart to use that visibility for communication and outreach.
Inside the Delegate Zone: 3 Areas, 3 Very Different Experiences
As part of a registered delegation, you have access to what I see as three main areas of the conference:
Area 1 – Political Negotiation Zone
This is the area where the official political negotiations take place. There’s a large plenary hall and many meeting rooms around it. As a delegate, you can walk in and listen to the discussions. For first-time participants, it’s exciting to hear someone like Al Gore give a speech. But overall, I would say this area is the least engaging unless you’re directly involved in policy work.
Area 2 – UN Panel & Lecture Rooms
This is where I personally spend the most time. The UN organizes sessions every 60 to 90 minutes throughout the day in several rooms. These are panel discussions, expert talks, and topic-focused lectures.
It’s very competitive to speak at these sessions — getting selected by the UN is quite difficult. But even just attending is extremely valuable. You often get a chance to ask questions at the end. I usually stick to a simple and effective format:
- a) One sentence on who I am and what I do
- b) What challenge I’ve observed
- c) A question to a specific speaker about how we could work better together
This approach has led to some very good conversations and follow-up contacts.
Area 3 – Country and NGO Pavilions
This is, for me, the most interesting and interactive area. Countries and NGOs set up their own stands, combining visuals and information with their own lecture and event programs.
You can walk from one to another, talk directly to country representatives or experts, and ask questions. These conversations often lead to very practical contacts or ideas. It’s not just about watching — it’s about participating.
How I Prepare Before the Conference
Once I receive confirmation of my participation, I start getting in touch with countries or organizations I’m particularly interested in. When it comes to countries, it’s often their Ministry of Climate, Environment, or Energy that organizes their presence — so it helps to reach out and ask who’s coordinating their delegation. If the contact is good, it’s sometimes even possible to arrange a small program slot or a speaking opportunity at their pavilion.
A Rhythm That Works
The first day is all about orientation: I look at the schedule (which theme day is when, what sessions are planned — sometimes this info is available in advance), and I check who else is onsite and what their focus is. That’s how I identify people or organizations I want to follow up with in the next few days.
Also, on the first day I take a lot of photos — in the plenary, in front of country pavilions, near the COP logo, with other participants. It’s better to have too many than too few, especially for future use in marketing and communications.
Usually on the second day, I take time to visit the public area of the conference. This space is accessible without a delegate badge and often includes company and country booths. You can meet national institutions, projects, and businesses — and these conversations can lead to valuable follow-ups after the conference.
After that, each day becomes a mix of:
- Attending sessions (especially in Area 2 and 3)
- Visiting different pavilions and having conversations
- Scheduling or following up on meetings
- Taking new photos and creating social media content
- Reconnecting with people I met earlier in the week
Sometimes I walk through the exhibition again, this time with another participant, to take more photos or short videos and exchange impressions.
In the evenings, some organizations host receptions or side events outside the main venue. These are often for invited guests only, but they offer a more informal setting for discussion and networking.
Why It’s Worth It — Every Time
A skilled networker will meet ministers, senior executives from state-run organizations, decision-makers, and experts. If you’re proactive and ask good questions, you can build strong relationships that last well beyond the event.
And if you make smart use of your content — photos, videos, even a few short posts — the conference becomes more than just a personal experience. It becomes a visibility boost for your entire organization. Look, we were there. Our knowledge, our products, our voice — it’s part of the global conversation.
That’s why I go back year after year. And that’s why I believe that joining a delegation like the one going to COP 30 in Brazil is such a valuable opportunity.
Join the Worlddidac Delegation to COP 30 in Brazil
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The article submitted by
Kai Zimmermann
