Tuesday 15 December

Today has been a challenging day to say the least. Everyone is pushing through the exhaustion barrier to ensure that we achieve a positive outcome from this event. Access to the Bella Centre for NGOs was restricted today, so not all of our delegation could be there. There were also long lines in the cold outside to endure before even getting inside the Bella Centre. However, a Guide is cheerful in all difficulties and those queuing were thankful that it wasn’t raining or even snowing.

Despite these challenges, today has again been full on, with delegates attending different panel discussions, press conferences, caucus meetings, national and regional delegation briefings. Sarah from the USA had the opportunity to attend a dialogue on intergenerational equity, focusing on communication between generations to form climate solutions. She was even able to talk with a press officer from UNICEF.

As mentioned, access to the Bella Centre was limited today, so half of the delegation was involved with activities on the ‘outside’. Luiza from Brazil participated in a community project called OASIS, which aims to empower communities by encouraging them to make the changes they want and need. In Copenhagen, the organization is rebuilding a youth centre. Luiza said:

This afternoon was also the first time that the non-formal education working group ran activities at Hojbro Plads, in the city centre. The Danish Guides and Scouts have set up a climate camp for two weeks where they are sharing different activities related to climate.

Guides and scouts, and random passers-by, can come and try them out, learn more about how they can reduce their carbon emissions, and have a good time. The WAGGGS delegation are running some short games that share these messages, which today were very successful even though participant numbers were down because of the snow. Margrethe (Denmark) said:

By the end of the Conference, we hope to reach out to 350 young people in and around Copenhagen.

To end on a high (although rather cold) note, today was the first time since we arrived that it snowed in Copenhagen. For those of us who have never, or rarely seen snow, it was such a beautiful scene to witness, and is making our time here so much more special.

WFU Patrol
Sarah, Maria, Nellie, Ally & Fred