Malala opened the discussion with some hard-hitting statistics, one being that in 2021, four million girls have been at risk of losing their education due to climate disasters. Vanessa went on to talk about the role of women and girls in Africa, and how so often many are at the front lines of climate disasters. They are the ones travelling to collect water and firewood for their families, and many face the risk of dropping out of school to help with recovering crops and livestock after a drought.  The panel also explored the intersection between gender and the environment. Leah gave a great explanation of eco-feminism and stated that we need to look at all different identity aspects and use them to be stewards of the environment.

These three young female activists made it crystal clear WHY girls’ education, gender equality and climate action are so intrinsically linked. What I took away, was that we need to listen to the voices that have been directly impacted by the crisis, that education is the key to action and change, and that “you cannot be a climate activist today without being a feminist.”

Once the talk had finished, I made my way out of the venue, only to be stopped by a security guard. He asked me why I was leaving, and suggested that I stay, as there were going to be “some very important people” coming onto the stage next. I was somewhat confused, as there was nothing scheduled for a few hours, but he reassured me that it would be worth my while to stick around. So I did.

After around 10 minutes of waiting, one by one, climate activist after climate activist, they took their seats on the stage. I could not believe what was happening! Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Vanessa Nakate, Daphne Frias, Dominque Palmer, Tori Tsui, Mya-Rose Craig, Viviam Villafana and actor Emma Watson were sat before me. It was overwhelming!

The panel was opened by Amanda Gorman, who performed a new poem entitled “Earth Rise.” It was mesmerising and captured every thought and feeling that I had (and didn’t know I had!) about COP26 and the climate emergency. The panellists discussed intersectional climate justice and the future of leadership in the climate movement. They argued that collective, coalition-led leadership is the most conducive to the intersectional thinking that the climate challenge requires.

As it was a surprise panel, there was no media frenzy, which I think made it feel extra special. I know in my heart that I witnessed a piece of history on that day. I was honoured to have been the room. It was a beautiful moment with such powerful women that I will remember forever.

The end of the meeting coincided beautifully with the Fridays for Future protest, which was in full swing by the time I had walked back to the city centre. Thousands upon thousands of people (later reported 30,000) marched from Kelvingrove Park to George Square to demand climate justice at COP26. There was an incredible vibe and energy. People of all ages were getting involved – chanting, singing, making their voices heard and demands known.