Volunteering at AlterCOP30: Reflections from our Co-Founder
- TY Lee
- Dec 2
- 2 min read
🌍 A Journey of Collaboration and Hope
As co-founder of Airgorithm, I’ve always believed that climate action is not just about technology—it’s about people. This belief came alive when I had the privilege of volunteering with the event planning team at AlterCOP30, a gathering that reimagines how we convene, collaborate, and co-create solutions for our planet’s future.
✨ Behind the Scenes of Global Change
Volunteering at AlterCOP30 was more than logistics and schedules—it was about weaving together diverse voices into a shared narrative of possibility. From coordinating sessions to ensuring that every participant felt welcomed, our team worked tirelessly to create an environment where ideas could flourish.
One moment that stays with me was welcoming a group of young climate activists from Latin America. They had traveled for days, carrying stories of frontline communities facing rising seas and deforestation. As we guided them through the venue, their energy and determination reminded me why these gatherings matter: they are not just conferences, they are lifelines of solidarity.
💡 Lessons in Collaboration
Being part of the planning team reminded me of three truths:
Climate action thrives on inclusivity. When voices from across industries, geographies, and generations come together, solutions become richer and more resilient.
Small actions create ripple effects. I remember helping a speaker adjust their presentation minutes before going on stage. That small act of support gave them confidence—and later, their talk sparked a collaboration between two organizations that had never met before.
Hope is contagious. Amid the urgency of climate challenges, the optimism and creativity of participants reminded me that change is not only possible—it is already happening.
🌱 Why Volunteering Matters
For me, volunteering at AlterCOP30 was a way to live out Airgorithm’s mission: driving systemic sustainability transformation. It was a chance to step outside the role of founder and simply be part of a global community united by purpose.
I felt the passion most vividly during the closing circle, when participants shared one word that captured their experience. Words like “renewed,” “empowered,” “connected” echoed across the room. My own word was “hope.” Because in those moments, I saw how human connection fuels climate innovation. Technology, policy, and finance are critical—but it is the relationships we nurture that give these tools meaning and momentum.
🚀 Looking Ahead
As Airgorithm continues to expand its impact, experiences like AlterCOP30 remind me that partnerships and people are at the heart of progress. Volunteering was not just service—it was inspiration, a reminder that every one of us has a role to play in shaping a sustainable future.
At AlterCOP30, I saw firsthand that when we come together with open hearts and shared purpose, we don’t just plan events—we plan hope. And hope, when nurtured, becomes action.




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