Article by Celeste Koh
Celeste Koh attended AlterCOP30's Human Capital Day on 14 November 2025, and the experience reinforced a simple truth. Climate action starts with people. Policies and technology matter, but the human element shapes ambition, follow through, and the courage to lead. This focus on mindsets and purpose aligns closely with her commitment to collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships that create real and lasting impact.
Several moments stood out to her throughout the day.
Kruthika Eswaran, SCR, PhD highlighted how climate negotiations now place greater emphasis on human development and just transitions. COP30's recognition of children as a uniquely vulnerable group struck a chord with Celeste, who has long been passionate about youth wellbeing. She appreciated how Kruthika translated complex developments into a session that felt warm, accessible, and still carried real weight.
© Celeste Koh
Another highlight came from James Yin, MSID AD. Beyond his inspiring career shift, he welcomed Celeste and her sustainability course mate, Keith W. K. Wong, into his vertical farm. The urban aquaponics system by V Plus Agritech Pte Ltd demonstrated how sustainable agriculture can thrive even in dense cities through circular principles. Their outreach to schools and companies showed the power of education in shaping future environmental stewards. Celeste noted that experiences like these also offer employees meaningful mental breaks while strengthening sustainable habits.
Sandra Lim MG's session on holistic sustainability brought the focus back to leadership. Her message was clear. Real climate leadership requires integrity, good governance, and weaving sustainability into an organisation's core identity. The ABCDE Framework she introduced Awareness, Balance, Convince, Decision, Execute gave Celeste a grounded and practical guide for building social sustainability. Sandra's emphasis that social sustainability is more than volunteering, that it requires people centred workplaces built on trust, wellbeing, and growth, left a strong impression.
Celeste walked away with one overarching insight. A resilient and sustainable future depends on how society develops its people, their capabilities, and their readiness to lead. She ended the day energised, hopeful, and eager to contribute to the growing movement shaping this future.
Source: Celeste Koh
