As a young delegate attending my first COP, I approach it with an open mind and a touch of naive optimism. Global temperatures rose to above 2 degrees pre-industrial levels this week. If this, along with the horrific floods, wildfires, droughts and earthquakes that we have witnessed this year alone all over the world, is not enough to reach an agreement on ending the use of fossil fuels, in line with the proposed Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, I don't know what will be.

It is very timely that our delegation's work will focus on Agriculture and Food Security, the Just Transition Work Programme, and Climate Financing. My own interests will add to these, which include Climate Justice, and the intersection of climate change with Gender Equality and Peace & Security.

Despite the limited access young people have to the negotiation rooms, I believe our voices do play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of COP28. I credit the relentless pressure exerted by young people on decisionmakers for the climate agreements we have today, even if they still fall short of what's really needed. I believe young voices are equally valid and should be heard, especially considering that we will face the brunt of climate inaction for the longest period of time.

My passion for climate action stems from three primary factors:

• The realisation that climate change is indiscriminate and exacerbates other issues like gender equality and peace and security.
• The abundance of information at our fingertips, empowering young people to educate themselves and become aware of the global impact of climate change.
• The frustration with the lack of climate action by decision-makers, prompting us to demand change.

At COP28, I eagerly anticipate meeting people from diverse backgrounds, hearing their stories, expanding my knowledge and rekindling my hope for the future. However, I remain apprehensive about the possibility that this excitement may turn into fear depending on the adequacy and implementation of the agreed-upon measures.