An online 1-on-1 English platform enabling children from the Middle East and Southeast Asia to speak at COP30
51Talk, a global online 1-on-1 English learning platform for children, announced that young learners from its international community took part in a United Nations–aligned youth speaking initiative during COP30, held in Belém, Brazil from November 15 to 21, 2025.
Launched in 2023, the initiative has entered its third year, creating opportunities for children from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Thailand, and Vietnam to share their perspectives on climate and environmental protection in English. Through speeches delivered on a UN-level international stage, participants brought local observations into a global conversation, highlighting how climate challenges are experienced—and addressed—by younger generations around the world, with support from 51Talk’s long-term language learning programs.
As part of the COP30 experience, students also participated in rainforest exploration and local cultural activities in Brazil. By observing biodiversity conservation efforts firsthand and engaging with local communities, the learners gained a deeper, more personal understanding of sustainability beyond the classroom, connecting language learning with real-world global issues.
The program, titled GreenTalk: Speak for Future, reflects 51Talk’s belief that language is not only a learning outcome, but also a bridge to global participation. Through long-term 1-on-1 instruction, interactive speaking practice, and a curriculum designed to build expression step by step, the 51Talk’s platform supports children as they progress from everyday conversation to structured storytelling and public speaking.
“We believe every child deserves the opportunity to speak to the world,” said Jack Huang, CEO of 51Talk. “When children are given the right tools and guidance, they are capable of expressing thoughtful ideas and engaging meaningfully with global issues. Seeing our students speak on a United Nations climate stage is a powerful reminder of what education can unlock.”
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.
Across regions, the students’ speeches demonstrated not only improving English proficiency, but also confidence, empathy, and the ability to connect local realities with global challenges.
By creating a platform for these young voices, 51Talk aims to show how online English education can prepare children to participate confidently in international dialogue—bridging cultures, perspectives, and generations through communication.
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