Witnessing power on the pavilion floor at COP30
A Salata Institute COP student observer reflects on justice, indigenous influence, and soft power.
Fri, Nov 21, 2025
COP Student Observer Funding Program
The COP Student Observers Funding Program provides travel funding and related programming to Harvard University students who attend the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including the Paris Agreement.
The program is funded through partnership between the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements.
Who: Full-time, enrolled, Harvard University students
What: Funding (*after travel completion), pre- and post-travel programming
Funding: Typically up to $2,000 per student
Apply by: September 18, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Summary
The COP Student Observers Funding Program provides travel funding and related programming to Harvard University students who attend the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including the Paris Agreement. The COP offers students a unique experiential learning opportunity to engage with an international cohort of stakeholders working on climate change.
The program provides a single application process for funding supported by the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability and the Harvard Project on Climate Agreements.
Harvard students who attend the COP, but who are not awarded funding through this program, are strongly encouraged to participate in the program’s other pre- and post-event activities.
Program Features
The COP Student Observers Funding Program includes the following components for awarded students:
- Funding for travel expenses (typically up to $2,000 per student)
- Three required pre-travel orientation sessions
- One post-COP debrief event, with some speaking opportunities for awarded students
- Completion of a 1,000-word reflection on the COP, to be published on the Salata Institute’s website
Funding through this program is awarded after travel is completed. Applicants must be able to arrange and pay for their own travel and lodging up front and will receive compensation for eligible expenses after the conference.
Program Requirements
Students awarded funding through this program are required to complete all program requirements, including:
- Completion of all pre-travel requirements
- Participation in all three required pre-departure orientation sessions
- Participation in the post-COP debrief event
- Submission of a written reflection (minimum 1,000 words) describing the student’s experience and key takeaways from the COP
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Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
- Must be full-time, enrolled, Harvard University students in good academic standing
- Must have secured the necessary credentials to attend the COP, including an official “Blue Zone” badge from an accredited observer organization (See FAQs for more information)
- Must have a valid passport (U.S. or other) and any required visa for international travel, as well as all documents required for re-entry to the United States
- Must be able to arrange their own travel and lodging accommodations
- Must be able to cover any associated up-front travel costs
- Must be able to confirm their commitment and ability to attend the conference if awarded funding
Blue Zone Credentials Required: Only students who obtain Blue Zone credentials are eligible to receive funding through this program. Students who are still awaiting confirmation of their credentials are encouraged to apply by the application deadline and may still be considered for funding, provided credentials are secured by the Badge Confirmation Deadline.
Funding Criteria
**All payments may be subject to tax withholding, depending on citizenship status.
Funding will be allocated to students who demonstrate:
- A clear interest in and engagement with climate change and/or related environmental, social, or economic issues
- The ability to articulate how attending the COP supports their academic and professional goals
- Strong academic or professional qualifications
Preference will be given to:
- Students who have not previously attended the COP
- Students who are graduating at the end of the academic year
Stay Up to Date
Complete the COP30 Interest Form to receive updates about the UNFCCC timeline and the COP Student Observer Funding Program timeline.
Program Timeline (2025)
Timeline Details
All students interested in attending COP30 should submit an application by the Application Deadline, regardless of whether their Blue Zone credentials have been confirmed at the time of application.
- Application Deadline: September 18, 2025 (11:59 PM)
Round 1: Students who have already secured their credentials by September 18, 2025, will be considered for Round 1 funding.
- Round 1 Award Announcements: Friday, September 26, 2025
Round 2: Students who have not secured their credentials by September 18, 2025, will have until the Badge Confirmation Deadline on October 10, 2025, to secure their credentials. All students who secure their credentials by October 10, 2025, will be considered for Round 2 funding.
- Badge Confirmation Deadline: October 10, 2025
- Round 2 Award Announcements: Tuesday, October 17, 2025
Funding cannot be awarded until Blue Zone credentials have been obtained.
Application Instructions
All students interested in attending COP30 should submit an application by the Application Deadline, regardless of whether their Blue Zone credentials have been confirmed at the time of application. (See Timeline).
The application is comprised of the following sections:
- Applicant Information
Identifying information about the applicant - Participating in COP30
Information about travel plans, credentials, and past COP participation - Intention Statement
A 500-word summary of the applicant’s goals, interests, and intentions for attending the COP
(Upload as PDF; please follow the Intention Statement Guidelines) - CV or Resume
(Upload as PDF) - Program Requirements Agreement
Deadline: 11:59 PM on Thursday September 18, 2025
If you have questions about the COP Student Observers Funding Program or the application process, please contact oona_gaffney@harvard.edu
2026 Info Session – Sign Up
Wednesday, April 1 2026 from 12:00 – 12:45 PM on Zoom
All students interested in applying to the program in Fall 2026 must attend this information session or watch the recording once it is posted.
2025 Info Session – Recording
Watch the recording of the Spring 2024 Information Session to learn more about the COP Student Observers Funding Program, including application requirements, credentials, and what to expect when attending the COP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the COP?
The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the formal annual meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The UNFCCC is a treaty that came into force in 1994 and is the only international treaty solely focused on climate change. The Paris Agreement is a separate treaty under the auspices of the UNFCCC, and most issues negotiated at recent COPs pertain to the Paris Agreement.
In 2025, the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP30) will be hosted in Belém, Brazil, from November 10–21, 2025.
The COP is attended by negotiators from national governments that have ratified the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. Recent COPs have also featured a two-day summit of heads of government and other senior governmental officials who assess international progress on climate change.
In addition to official negotiations, numerous non-governmental organizations, business associations, and research organizations participate as observers. Observer organizations host panels, operate pavilions, conduct outreach activities, and hold informal meetings throughout the conference.
How do I secure credentials to attend the COP?
Many non-governmental organizations are permitted to send delegates to the COP as observers. These organizations have registered with the UNFCCC and obtained Observer Status.
Students should identify and contact an accredited observer organization to inquire about obtaining a Blue Zone badge. A list of observer organizations can be found [here].
It is recommended that students contact observer organizations whose missions align with their interests or with whom they have a personal connection.
Observer organizations must submit the names of individuals requesting Blue Zone badges to the UNFCCC before the badge nomination deadline, which typically occurs in July or early August. Students are encouraged to reach out to observer organizations well in advance of this deadline.
Only students who obtain Blue Zone credentials are eligible to receive funding through this program.
Should student observers attend Week 1 or Week 2 of the COP?
There are advantages and disadvantages to attending either week of the COP.
Higher-level negotiations and final decisions typically take place during Week 2, and more observers are present, which may allow for increased interaction. However, Week 2 may also be more crowded, and observers sometimes have less access to negotiations.
Week 1 includes many stakeholder interventions and meetings and may be less crowded overall.
Students are encouraged to review the events, negotiations, and programming offered across both weeks and determine which days best align with their interests.
What if I have applied for a badge but have not received confirmation before the application deadline?
Students who are awaiting confirmation of their COP credentials should still submit an application by the program’s application deadline.
The application will ask whether an applicant’s credentials have been confirmed or are still pending. Applicants whose credentials are not confirmed by the application deadline will have until the Badge Confirmation Deadline to update their status and may still be considered for funding during Round 2.
Funding cannot be awarded until Blue Zone credentials have been obtained.
Does Harvard offer international travel support?
Harvard University’s Global Support Services (GSS) office offers advising and resources to students planning international travel. All students traveling internationally must register with International SOS (ISOS) prior to departure. ISOS is Harvard’s 24/7 global emergency response provider.
For more information, please review Harvard’s International Travel & Reimbursement Guidance and visit the Harvard Travel Services website.
If you have any further questions about the COP Student Observers Funding Program or the application process, please contact oona_gaffney@harvard.edu