​Growing up in Zimbabwe, Africa, I never imagined that my voice would one day travel across continents, entering negotiation rooms where global climate decisions are shaped. I certainly never imagined that I a young woman with a disability, would stand in those same rooms—not as an observer, but as a negotiator. This is the story of how my six-month journey with the Youth Negotiators Academy (YNA) led me to Belém, Brazil for COP30 and how that experience reshaped my confidence, purpose, and commitment to disability-inclusive climate action.

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Where I Come From: Roots, Reality, and Resilience

My background is rooted in a community where opportunities are often scarce, especially for persons with disabilities. Growing up, I learned early that disability does not only affect mobility or senses it affects how the world perceives you, speaks to you, and sometimes speaks over you. Yet it also shaped my determination. I became passionate about climate justice and disability rights, not as two separate issues but as deeply connected. Climate impacts hit marginalized groups the hardest, and persons with disabilities are often left out of preparedness, policies, and response mechanisms. I wanted to change that.

 

The YNA Journey: Six Months That Changed Everything

When I joined YNA, I thought I was simply signing up for a course. It became much more than that. Over six months, we learned climate negotiations, diplomacy, policy analysis, equity, and inclusion. But more importantly, YNA created a space where young people regardless of background, disability or geography were told: “Your voice is needed here.” The training strengthened my skills, my understanding of climate governance and my belief that representation matters. It also opened doors: I was selected and funded to attend my first COP in person, thanks to the support of the YNA and CARE Denmark.

 

Arriving in Belém: Excitement, Fear, and Courage

Travelling itself was a challenge logistics, long distances and accessibility concerns. It wasn’t a bed of roses. But stepping into COP30 was something else: overwhelming, intimidating, a world of its own. It was my first time being in such a large, complex conference. Finding my way around, navigating sessions and interacting with seasoned negotiators was difficult. I questioned whether I belonged in that space. Disability can do that it lowers your confidence, makes you feel small even when your work is big. But YNA changed that again. The support from the YNA team and my fellow negotiators kept me grounded. They encouraged me, guided me and reminded me that I do belong. And then something unexpected happened.

 

I met other persons with disabilities at COP. When they saw me with a Party badge, they were overjoyed. Their excitement reminded me that my presence wasn’t just for me it was symbolic for all of us. It showed that we, too deserve to shape climate policy. That moment reignited a fire I thought I had lost. It gave me a renewed fighting spirit for disability inclusion in climate governance.

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What I Achieved Personally and Professionally 

I gained confidence to speak, contribute, and take up space in global platforms. I overcame fears of not belonging and learned to value my perspective. I built resilience by navigating a demanding environment despite accessibility challenges. I strengthened my identity as an advocate for disability rights in climate action and developed a deeper understanding of climate governance, negotiations, and global policy processes. I formed networks with negotiators, activists, organizations, and people with disabilities from around the world. I contributed to discussions on inclusion, equity, and climate justice and established myself as a young negotiator committed to representing underrepresented groups.

 

What Youth Leadership in Climate Governance Means to Me 

Climate governance means empowering young people to bring new energy, fresh ideas and courageous voices into decision- making spaces that have historically excluded the most vulnerable. Its about being bold enough to challenge the status quo and leveraging lived experiences to inform climate action. It is also about amplifying the voices of communities who are often spoken about but rarely consulted, ensuring that their perspectives and needs are centred in climate decision making. 

 

Future Plans After COP 30 AND YNA Training

My future plans are to continue advocating for disability inclusive climate adaptation and resilience. I aim to work with the national and regional bodies to strengthen policies that protect persons with disabilities in climate disasters. I plan to mentor young people with disabilities interested in climate action and contribute to research or policy briefs highlighting the intersection of disability and climate justice

 

What Motivates Me to Continue

The joy and pride that I saw in other persons with disabilities when they saw me with a party badge at COP30, and knowing that my presence made someone else believe they can be there too. I also feel a sense of responsibility towards my community and around the world

 

New Challenges to address

Integrating accessibility into climate action processes, breaking stereotypes limiting persons with disabilities in leadership and strengthening systems foe global south youth negotiators. My goal is to ensure disability data, representation and funding are core components of climate policy.

 

Closing Reflection

COP30 was more than a conference it was a turning point. I arrived unsure and afraid. I left inspired, empowered and more determined than ever to champion disability inclusion in climate governance.