
From Türkiye, twelve-year-old Osman Batu, who began learning English at a young age with strong family support, made noticeable progress in confidence and fluency while preparing for COP30. He advanced through a multi-stage selection process—submitting a three-minute video and competing in a national contest in Istanbul, where his speaking skills, grammar, pronunciation, and confidence were evaluated—earning first place and the opportunity to represent Türkiye at the United Nations.
At COP30, Osman spoke about the effects of climate change he had witnessed—from wildfires across Türkiye to disappearing butterflies in his grandmother’s garden—and proposed student-led Climate Labs in schools and “Climate Roofs” featuring solar panels and green spaces. His speech, grounded in personal observations and actionable ideas, also caught the attention of a local reporter, who conducted a short interview in English, showcasing his comfort and fluency in real-life communication. Representing his country on a global stage was a great honor, motivating Osman to continue developing his English and deepening his understanding of global issues.