COP29 Delegate Wins Woods College Commencement Award
By聽Gustavo Cardona e Almeida | April 2025
Hello Eagles!
My name is Gustavo Cardona e Almeida, and I recently completed my Master鈥檚 in Applied Economics at Boston College. Before that, my academic path took me from Curitiba, Brazil, where I earned my bachelor鈥檚 degree in Economics at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paran谩, to St Mary鈥檚 University in London, where I did my Master's in International Business.
I鈥檝e always been passionate about economics and public policy, but it was during my time in London that this passion evolved into a true sense of purpose. At St Mary鈥檚, I became immersed in campus-wide debates about national recovery plans and sustainable development. At the time, the UK was actively discussing the "Levelling Up Agenda," and there were many conversations about rebuilding and reimaging society in the aftermath of the pandemic. That same year, COP26 took place in Glasgow, and the entire country was buzzing with discussions on climate action and green growth. It opened my eyes to the critical role that environmental economics plays, not just on a global scale, but especially for my home country, Brazil, due to its vast natural resources.聽
After London, I applied to a university I had long admired, Boston College, drawn by its Jesuit values, commitment to community, and strong academic reputation. From the moment I arrived, I was blown away by the intellectual rigour of the coursework and the inspiring people I met, colleagues who became close friends, and professors who became mentors.
Late one evening, while studying at the Engineering building, I came across a banner inviting students to apply as delegates for COP29, which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan. Without hesitation, I submitted my application, not knowing if I would be accepted or not. A few months later, I received an email: I had been selected. Out of over 300 applicants, only 13 students were chosen, and I was one of them. I seriously couldn't believe it. I was honoured, excited, and slightly overwhelmed by the opportunity to represent BC on the global stage at a United Nations conference.
What happened next in Baku changed me forever.
Attending COP29 was a truly transformative experience. I learned deeply not only from the official sessions and panels but also from the amazing group of delegates I traveled with - people who quickly became close friends and whom I鈥檒l carry in my heart forever. We shared countless hours discussing climate policy, sustainable development, and our hopes for the future. One of the most unforgettable moments for me was meeting key environmental leaders from around the world, including U.S. Senator and BC alum Ed Markey, Brazilian senators, ministers, and especially Judge Herman Benjamin, the Chief Judge of the National High Court of Brazil and a leading expert in environmental law in the country. These conversations reaffirmed my belief that climate action is not optional and that my generation has a moral obligation in this issue.
When I returned to Boston, I felt an overwhelming sense of purpose. As students of a Jesuit institution, we鈥檙e encouraged to be people for others and to lead with courage, conscience, and compassion. That experience in Baku felt like a call to action: a reminder that we must be the leaders who build bridges, who spark change, and who carry forward a vision of a more sustainable, equitable world.
A few months later, I finished my degree and received more exciting news: I had been accepted to pursue a Ph.D. in Finance at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paran谩, in Curitiba, a city recognised across Latin America for its environmental innovation and sustainable projects. My research will focus on green finance and sustainable investment, continuing the journey that began years ago and was supercharged by my time at BC and experience I had at Schiller. I believe that my time at BC was essential to guiding me and focusing my path to where I am today.
And to top it all off, I was honoured to be selected as the recipient of the Woods College Commencement Award, the highest distinction given to a graduating student. It was a truly humbling and full-circle moment in my Boston College journey. During the announcement, they recognized my deep passion as a student and my participation at COP as a testament to my commitment to environmental issues. It was a surreal experience, something that the young and curious Gustavo, living in London and navigating life during COVID, could have never imagined.
Looking ahead, I鈥檓 genuinely excited to continue exploring this field and working toward becoming a leader in environmental finance back home in Brazil, as well as participating in COP 30 in Bel茅m. None of this would鈥檝e been possible without the incredible support I received during my time at Boston College, especially from the amazing team at the Schiller Institute. A huge shoutout to Greg Adelsberger, Kaley McCarty, and Caitlyn Bolton, who were with me through every step of the journey. Thanks to them, both BC and the Schiller Institute felt less like an institution and more like family.
If you鈥檙e passionate about economics, sustainability, or just up for a good conversation, I鈥檇 love to hear from you! Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out however you prefer. I鈥檓 always excited to swap ideas, share stories, or simply chat about where life and purpose intersect. As we all move forward, let鈥檚 keep building bridges and in true Jesuit spirit, let鈥檚 keep showing up for others, working for justice, and doing our part to build a more compassionate, sustainable world.
From a proud Eagle, Gustavo =)聽