decorative


 

Recently, I joined a webinar hosted by the RINGO constituency—Research and Independent Non-Governmental Organizations—and I left feeling both inspired and grateful. The session was an open space for researchers curious about participating in COP30, whether virtually or in person. What struck me the most was the sense of community and shared purpose among everyone there.

RINGO has been a quiet but powerful presence in the climate space for years. Their support is entirely voluntary—no one is paid, and yet they continue to show up, offering guidance, encouragement, and solidarity to researchers trying to find their place in the UNFCCC process. That generosity is something I deeply admire. It’s not just about information but also about care.

During the session, I saw researchers from different backgrounds asking questions, expressing their excitement, and also their need for support. It reminded me of how important it is to have spaces where people feel seen and heard—especially when stepping into something as complex and overwhelming as international climate negotiations.

This is exactly what we, at The Pearl (formerly Walker Institute) in the University of Reading, try to offer through the COP Climate Action Studio (COPCAS). Our aim is to help young researchers connect their work to the global and local policy landscape. We want them to see that their research matters—not just in academic circles, but in shaping real-world climate action.

Through COPCAS, we invite PhD students to engage with the UNFCCC process and reflect on how their research fits into broader climate conversations. We also bring in University of Reading academics from across disciplines to share their perspectives and research. It’s a chance for students to be exposed to different ways of thinking, to see familiar challenges through new lenses, and maybe even spark ideas or collaborations that cross traditional boundaries. At the same time, we hope it’s an opportunity for academics to reflect on how their research might connect to the broader themes and negotiations happening within the UNFCCC, and to consider the role their work plays in shaping climate policy and practice.

For me, both RINGO and COPCAS represent something deeply human in the climate space: the power of collaboration, the importance of listening, and the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. As we look ahead to COP30 and to another cohort of COP Climate Action Studio participants, I’m reminded that climate action isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. And when we support each other, we move forward together.

 

Konstantina Pratta, Pearl Academy Coordinator, and Project Manager,Pearl-AGHRYMET World Bank funded project