When I entered the COP27 registration hall in Sharm el Sheik, I was utterly overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by people, events, diversity, and all the noise. Can you imagine thousands of people speaking simultaneously, but nobody listening? It is difficult to describe.

Maybe it would be best to use the biblical symbolism of the Tower of Babel, where when building the tower, people suddenly started to speak different languages, and they could not communicate and work together to build the tower. The challenges of working together for a common cause also arose at this year's COP. Thousands of people, each with their own agenda and unique focus, talked to like-minded people in their social bubbles. Formal negotiations were somehow overshadowed by a circus-like fair, where it was difficult to even find an event location due to lack of time or distance to the location. Getting into dialogue had to be planned in advance, and only a few things could be left to chance.

Do we need this kind of event? Do they bring hope? In my opinion, events of this type could see logistical improvements. But since it is the only yearly event where so many diverse stakeholders meet and share the same reality, passion, and sincere concern for our future, I have to say that COP27 did bring hope. Maybe it was due to the collective experience of hot November weather, overpriced food in the first week, or late-night meetings. It could be the stories we heard and shared with people from all over the globe. It could be the realisation that loss and damage due to climate change are already happening everywhere, and the question of whether or not to act is no longer a question.

Being part of the YOUNGO constituency and a party delegate, despite the noise, the circus-like arena, and the plethora of events, just after the Peoples' Plenary I had a revelation: if you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything.

The climate change fight will never be won in the negotiation room, but only on the ground, with our common cause. Together we can break down the walls of fear, like drops of water that join into rivers that can shape canyons and move mountains! We must build alliances, ensure visible democratic participation, and respect human rights and dignity.
 
We cannot repeat the same thing and expect a different result. If we don't do anything, it will cost us the Earth. So finally, it is time to quit the "too little too late" narrative, make a giant, ambitious leap of faith and ensure the true commitment of the parties to respect the decisions taken at the Sharm El-Sheikh COP27.