Aleigha General attends COP27, she is stood in front of a large blue screen with COP27 written on.
Aleigha General attends COP27, she is stood in front of a large blue screen with COP27 written on.

UWL student attends COP27

Second year University of West London (UWL) BA International Relations and Sociology student Aleigha General recently attended the the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh.  

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UWL student is holding a microphone and attending COP27. She is stood up and people around her are sat down.

Aleigha, who is in her second year at UWL, was sent to the event as a youth delegate by the National Trust of the Cayman Islands, her home country and base when not studying in London. She decided to focus on attending sustainable farming and agriculture sessions during her time at COP27. 

Living on an island means you are always aware of the impact of climate change,” she says. “I wanted to know how other small, tropical island nations make their ecosystems and food needs work in tandem and reduce the dependence on foreign goods.  

I went to discussions on food technology and what is being implemented across the globe along with panels about how young people are involved and it was eye opening to say the least.” 

A panel of women are sat on stage all looking to the right. The stage is black with wooden pallets lit up behind them.

Aleigha was very excited to meet other like-minded youth delegates during the sessions and networking events. Her personal highlight was meeting the prime minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley.  

I asked her about changing the culture in the Caribbean around waste and sustainability, and she told us that this change had to be deliberate and conscious on the part of all Caribbean citizens,” she says.

Consistent and compassionate care for our surroundings, and each other, would be key to moving the Caribbean forward, returning to a caring neighbourhood of populations that looked out for each other’s wellbeing.”  

Group of people at COP27 stood together all smiling at the camera in a large white room.

Finally, she says that while the idea of COP27 was a little nerve-wracking, especially asking her question to Mia Mottley, the overall experience both inspiring and fun. 

I was nervous about attending, but I am delighted I did,” she adds. “This was an amazing opportunity I learned so much and I felt very supported. I would tell anyone who gets an opportunity like this to just go for it!” 

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