🤝 After nearly three decades of COP climate summits, is real progress being made—or has it all become political theater?

Every year, world leaders gather under the banner of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to negotiate climate action. But as the global temperature rises and emissions continue unchecked, many are asking: Is this process actually working, or is it high time to COP-out?

While politicians take the stage, frontline communities—those hit hardest by the climate crisis—continue to be sidelined, silenced, or outright excluded from the conversation. Meanwhile, fossil fuel lobbyists walk in freely, shaping policies that prioritise profit over people.

In this episode of Frontline Speaks, we take a hard look at COP’s legacy, its failures, and what comes next.

🎙️ Featuring: 💬 Serag Heiba on the widening gap between what happens at COP and what’s actually needed for climate justice 💬 Aïssatou Keita on why COP is both necessary and deeply flawed—and why communities are building their own alternatives 💬 Dr. Portia Adade Williams on the political power imbalances silence countries on the frontlines of the climate crisis and water down global commitments.

As we approach COP30, is it time to rethink climate diplomacy? If COP is failing, what alternative spaces can drive real change? And how can we ensure that the people most affected by the crisis have a true voice in shaping climate solutions?

🔔 Subscribe now and join us every week as we bring you the stories that need to be heard—because when the media goes dark, Frontline Speaks.

🎧 A podcast by 1.2 Diaries, supported by the Africa-Europe Foundation’s Youth Awards. The show is executive produced by Jennifer Kwao and co-hosted with Krystel Sil Sikana. Our producer is Seden Anlar. Lydia Ayame Hiraide is our consulting writer and researcher. Our proofreader is Serag Heiba.