I recently had a unique opportunity to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The event brought about a discussion on the impact of fossil fuels on the future of our climate, with oil states being called out for dropping fossil fuel phaseout from COP draft. Eventually, the deal cited the intention to move away from fossil fuels for the first time and has been marked as a “historic” development. This advancement is especially significant as a business, as we’re about to become one of the first B-corp certified recruitment businesses.
While the significance of sustainability developments following the conference is widely discussed by the media, as someone who attended the conference, I was particularly impressed with its accessibility and inclusivity.
The venue of the event, situated in the former Expo 2020 location, was nothing short of impressive. Far from the bustling streets of Dubai, it offered an amazing environment for businesses across various industries to present their solutions to the climate problem. The inclusivity of the event was something I had never encountered before. Organisers provided special lanyards for people with non-visible disabilities, providing further assistance at the venue. Additionally, sensory rooms and quiet spaces were available for neurodivergent visitors, along with hearing loops for those using hearing aids. The entire area was also easily accessible to wheelchair users.
COP28 will be remembered as one of the most significant events in moving away from fossil fuels. However, for me, it will be remembered as an event that demonstrated that inclusivity should be a cornerstone of major global gatherings, setting an example for future events to aspire to.
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