How small island states can punch above their weight in climate diplomacy  

In this episode, I speak with Sarah Tegas, a PhD candidate at Sciences Po Paris, about the outsized role of small states in global climate diplomacy. These nations, often seen as vulnerable to external shocks and climate crises, have leveraged innovative strategies to transform their perceived weakness into diplomatic strength.

Sarah shares insights into the ongoing climate negotiations at COP29 in Baku, explains why climate change is a "super wicked problem," and reveals the tactics small island states like Tuvalu and Fiji use to drive ambitious action. From coalition-building to impactful media moments like Tuvalu’s unforgettable underwater speech, small states are showing the world how to punch above their weight.

Meet the guest
Sarah Tegas is a Doctoral candidate from Sciences Po, within the project “beyond Coalitions: Small States in UN Climate Negotiations” (BeCoSS Climate). This projec is part of the Centre for International Studies. Prior to her position in Paris, she completed her Master in Transnational Governance at the European University Institute, after which she stayed at the EUI to work as a trainee for the EIB Climate Chair. Before this, she studied in Manchester. 

You can find Sarah on LinkedIn or at her personal Science Po profile-page. 

Recommendation of the Week

• “On Behalf of My Delegation - A survival guide for new and lonely climate change negotiators” is a book written by Joyeeta Gupta -  She is full professor of environment and development in the global south at the Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research, and the lead author in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. 
  • This might be a good moment for my irrelevant ‘humble brag’: in 2019 I had a one-time class from her and it was truly inspiring. It definitely was one of the reasons I pursued a career in international development! 

• Sarah’s second recommendation is for people that want to become active participants at one of the next COP’s! She recommends you to request an observer badge, through one of the involved NGO’s. 

I hope you enjoy this episode, and as always feedback is very welcome. Wishing you happy holidays once again, and see you in the new year. 

Saluti, 
Vincent