As an Observer from my beloved youth association CliMates, I was fortunate enough to obtain accreditation for attending two consecutive United Nations Conference on Climate Change COP21 at Paris, 2015 and COP22 aka Cop of Action, Marrakech 2016. . For a youth campaigner, the field of negotiations and diplomacy always sounds fascinating and I was not an exception. Though not an expert it feels like I can write an encyclopedia out of these experience. Here I dare to share in brief but microscopic on how it feels to be at the BLUE ZONE of COP.

A huge landscape with flying flags of 197 parties to the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC), direction and instruction boards every few meters, vigilant security personnel and distinct 2 zones: Green (aka Civil Society area with easier access) and Blue (restricted access, needs accreditation). Wow! The very first impression as if I landed in next paradise. In addition, when you own the blue zone badge your head will be held much higher as you will be treated no less than VIPs.  After a long queue for security scanning, wandering through the strange faces and dresses from around the world when you finally enter inside the blue zone, most obvious that it?s breathtaking and perplexed at the same time.

When your eyes dance through the instruction map/stands you will be amazed to see the numbers of structures within (country pavilions, meeting halls, plenary rooms, media centers, exhibition Centre, restaurants and so on). No worries! As there are segregated spaces for each purpose and information booth is always there in case you feel lost. Don?t forget to grab your welcome kit (may consist of schedule, bag, pens, water bottle and information booklets) from the information booth. I can bet, you will spend at least 5 minutes staring at the people, their gestures and costumes.

Wait!!! Before jumping with excitement for the accreditation to COP one should be well clear that Hide and Seek is too obvious at COPs. Everything is fascinating at the COP venue, be it side events, decorated country pavilions, ongoing action events, cozy colorful couches to gossip, intense consultations and meetings, peaceful working spaces and of course side events with free FOOD. At times, it?s tough to make choices on where to invest the time and just REMEMBER you must have efficient time management skill to not miss the best from the COP. At times you would like to grab everything possible and you may rush from here to there without clear idea of what exactly you want. Remember my words, if you try to grab everything you will end up with nothing worthy. To be precise it?s a global hide and seek, seek what holds meaning to you personally and/or professionally.

Don?t panic, here are few quick tips on how to get yourself organized during COP. Beforehand, assure yourself of what you really want to achieve at COP. Some take it as a networking hub, some prefer to make research, video and few others want to extend their links with IGOs/INGOs, promote their work, while the rest want to dip in the ocean of true negotiation and it all depends on your interest. A daily schedule is a wise way to work SMART, check the UNFCCC website for the official schedule of the meetings and you can get the information about the side events in their booth and also in the information leaflets. I personally preferred to be the Jack of all but master in one. For so, one needs to find the reliable sources of COP updates, official twitter accounts of UNFCCC, ECO- newsletter, Daily track can be few good options for a quick summary. For a youth, YOUNGO mailing list can be useful resource unless it bugs your inbox. At the end of the day, make a reflection to yourself and find the gap between your target and achievement. Remember! There is always space for improving your time investment scheme in such way.

For sure it?s hectic but one should not forget to spare time for a mini tour to explore the COP village/villa, make new friends and capture some cool pictures.