After getting the train from Wylde Green and arriving in the bustling city centre of Birmingham, we walked through the doors of the Council House charged with nerves and excitement. The building was tall and imposing - history set in stone - and for the first time, the prospect of the day ahead felt exhilarating and real. 

We were led up the stairs, through several large hallways, into the courtroom - circular, ornate, with a ceiling painted golden. Our two teams, India and the Marshall Islands, separated to sit at our allocated spaces: Nuha, Chiara, Asin, Freya, Raneem and I were on the right, behind the Indian flag. After gathering our mountain of notes and exchanging words of encouragement, we were ready to go, and Freya and I stood up to give our team's opening statement. I was so nervous, yet simultaneously I was buzzing with excitement - we had prepared so much for this, and all we needed to do was deliver. Despite the fact that it felt like my heart was going to explode, I think it went well, and we managed to make a good impression. 

Then, it was time for the debate, and I think that this was my favourite part. We got to argue our points uninterrupted and stand together as a team, as well as listen to others' ideas. It was very stimulating and really interesting, and I absolutely loved it. After a short break, we went on to forge alliances and make agreements with other countries on climate action, and it was great to be able to discuss ideas and collaborate. My team worked with Australia, China and the UAE towards energy targets, and received international financial aid to go towards phasing out non-renewable energy sources. 

After having lunch in the beautiful Drawing Room, we returned to the hall for Part 2 of the conference, wherein several people who worked for Birmingham City Council, in order to try to make the city more sustainable, answered our questions and gave us advice on what we could do within school to take action. I found it so interesting to see all of the different careers that were available in the field of climate action, but also really inspirational to be able to see how many people were dedicating so much to help slow down the climate crisis. 

All in all, it was such an amazing day and an irreplaceable opportunity which I learned so much from. A huge thank you to Mrs Chiverton for making it happen, and to my fellow teammates - you're awesome!