That's the building of European commission, I would say one of the most important buildings in EU. And you can feel it, first of all you need to register way in advance before the event, they made you a pass for the day, and not only day but only for the specific hours of your visit.

The place feels like an airport, they have quite serious security and scanners like at any airport.

It's a huuuuuuuge building, I can't even imagine how many thousands of people works or present there every day.
Last week I was visiting it as I took a part in Climate Pact Conference there. I am climate pact ambassador of Latvia, and that was my first offline event at this position.
The whole building is full of artworks, paintings, sculptures and countless maze of halls.
By the way I wasn't allowed to freely walk there, there was always people who was making sure that we are staying only in the places we supposed to stay.

So yeah, quite fancy and stylish place.
During the day I attended several talks, discussions and panels. There were about 170 attendants, some like me ambassadors from other countries. It was a nice mix of various people from all possible backgrounds but all sharing the same passion and dedication for ecology. I've met marine biologists, actors, molecular scientists, photographers, politicians, business people, athletes, musicians, engineers. And I love the idea and the fact that each of them doing something trough their field their expertise for the climate.

I was sitting in such chair listening and participating in some climate related discussions. For example about online green washing or climate deniers online. How algorithms push conspiracy and anti climate change topics and so on.

All day was fun and good, they even served everyone vegetarian and vegan food. In fact it was only that, there was no meat or fish. Which is awesome.
So what I have learned and took for myself after whole day there ?
Well, honestly not much.... As soon as I left the event and was about to call Mara, I stopped and tried to realize, ok what should I tell her know. What was all this event about. And you know what. I couldn't remember anything... I was almost like blinded, someone erased my memory. During the day I heard so many politicians, MP's, presidents of all kinds of departments. They been talking, talking and talking. On a simple question they will give you 15 minute long answer, so while they are replying you already forgot what you been asking. And the end is always the same, it's Yes, but No. Or not Yes or not No. But since you already forgot the question and they speak so much with smart terminology you are just confused.

The main realization was that we have politicians only to speak. It's their job - speak. And that's it, they don't need to do much more, maybe vote :) But mainly speak and speak and speak. So the whole day felt a bit like a fast food, you eaten something, but you haven't received any nutrients and after 1 hour you will be hungry again....

I was thinking maybe they will inspire me to do something more, or they will offer some kind of projects, collaborations or so on. But no, I was naive, or I have no clue what politics is about. I think politics is not for me. But as yesterday my friend told me even if it's small changes that can be done with the help of politics and policy making it still worth the fight. It kind of encouraged me.
And he is right, we should fight even if there is some slight chance for a change or improvement.
So I will see how my "political" career will unfold :) for know I am mainly researching and looking into it, if it's something I can do. But still at the moment I feel for me it's better to go and plant a tree or save a turtle rather than attend a conference.

But all fights are important, and we should do everything what is in our capabilities.
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