At Challenge Design, we have a deep respect for the purpose and legacy behind the annual COP (Conference of the Parties) events. Designing a coin for these significant gatherings, where world leaders and advocates come together to address global climate issues, is something we take seriously. Our goal is to make each coin a testament to the commitment and cooperation seen at these summits. From emblems that reflect the host country’s identity to symbols of international unity, each design element is carefully chosen to celebrate the spirit of progress in tackling climate change.
COP - Climate Change Conference
Imagine a gathering where world leaders, scientists, and activists unite to confront one of the most pressing challenges of our time: climate change. This is the essence of the COP, or Conference of the Parties, an annual event under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Each year, the conference rotates among different countries, ensuring diverse representation and engagement. The host nation is selected through a competitive bidding process, reflecting its ability to manage the conference and its commitment to climate action. This rotation aims to spotlight the unique environmental challenges faced by various regions around the globe.
U.S. presidents at COP have been pivotal in shaping the nation's stance on climate change. Since the inaugural COP in 1995, these leaders have used their platform to reaffirm commitments to international climate agreements or address pressing domestic and global climate policy concerns. For example, President Obama was instrumental in the negotiations of the Paris Agreement in 2015, while President Trump’s withdrawal from the agreement in 2017 marked a significant pivot in U.S. policy. In 2024, President Biden emphasizes the importance of re-engaging with international partners on climate initiatives, underscoring cooperation in the fight against climate change.
These annual COP gatherings provide a unique forum where nations collectively showcase their commitment to addressing climate challenges through collaboration and innovative policies. The presence of global leaders, including U.S. presidents, highlights the significance of these events in shaping international dialogue around environmental action. From advancing agreements like the Paris Accord to realigning policy direction in response to climate challenges, U.S. leadership at COP continues to influence global climate initiatives.
Challenge Design has the honor of creating challenge coins that capture these significant presidential trips, displaying the spirit and purpose of each COP and other notable events. These coins are meaningful symbols and tangible reminders for participants, embodying the culture of the events and the collective goals of the global conference. Each design thoughtfully integrates cultural elements and symbols of international cooperation, allowing attendees to carry a piece of the event's significance as a lasting tribute to climate action.
Challenge Coins for Presidential Trips
Challenge coins are created to commemorate important trips made by the president, serving as tangible reminders of their engagements and commitments during these critical events. These coins often use symbols from the host country’s culture and its contributions to international efforts, transforming the coins into iconic pieces for officials and participants.
Designing a challenge coin for a COP event requires a thoughtful approach to capture the essence of the conference. For instance, the coin might feature the emblem of COP alongside the conference dates, incorporating elements such as the host country's flag or other significant national symbols. These design choices not only honor the event but also aim to show to the collaborative efforts among nations in addressing climate challenges.
Incorporating design elements that reflect the host country—such as its flag or national emblems- acknowledges the unique cultural context of the discussions. It also celebrates the contributions of the host nation to the global climate dialogue.
Including the name of the host country's leader on the challenge coin honors their role in facilitating the conference and their commitment to climate initiatives. This makes the coin more meaningful.
Additionally, featuring iconic landmarks from the host country and the conference dates adds a unique touch. This not only highlights the specific event but also commemorates the setting where crucial discussions on climate policy unfold, creating a lasting tribute to that pivotal moment in time.
Creating a presidential travel challenge coin for the COP trips has been a real honor for our team, especially considering the global significance of the conference and the message it represents. These coins are not just mementos—they’re reflections of the president’s commitment to addressing climate change alongside world leaders. Each detail we incorporate on these coins is meant to capture the spirit of the host country, the collaboration at COP, and the unique role the U.S. plays in advancing environmental goals. We wanted every aspect, from the materials to the imagery, to embody that commitment and the shared hope for a sustainable future.
Every year, the presidential travel coin is crafted in a specific style, setting the tone for its design and shape. This style serves as a creative framework, guiding the selection of emblems, colors, and layouts that best capture the theme of that particular COP. Whether we’re highlighting a country’s iconic landmarks, its national symbols, or the unity symbolized by the COP logo, the annual design style ensures each coin is as unique as the host country itself.
2021 - Climate Change Conference Challenge Coin
At COP26, President Biden emphasized his commitment to tackling climate change by unveiling bold actions that align economic growth with environmental responsibility. Since rejoining the Paris Agreement, his administration has pursued the ambitious Build Back Better Framework and Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal, aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52% by 2030, achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035, and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Biden’s plan prioritizes clean energy investments that create jobs, especially in underserved communities, while addressing climate impacts both domestically and globally. His PREPARE initiative, backed by a $3 billion adaptation finance commitment, focuses on helping vulnerable countries mitigate climate impacts and build resilience. Additionally, the administration’s Clean Energy and Sustainability Accelerator and Civilian Climate Corps highlight its focus on sustainable job creation, economic equity, and environmental justice, demonstrating Biden’s intent to lead global climate efforts with tangible, far-reaching initiatives.
We’re excited about this bold challenge coin for the 2021 COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. The coin is a sleek silver oval shape, and features a blue outer border with the words “UN Climate Change Conference” and “Glasgow, Scotland” in raised silver text. A white ring with silver decorative stars adds a touch of elegance, drawing the eye to the vibrant center, where a shiny blue map of Scotland takes focus. Bold white and lime green text that reads “COP 26” sits prominently in the center, with dates “31 Oct - 12 Nov 2021” and a high-definition image of Earth from space, symbolizing the global unity in addressing climate change. The reverse side honors the 2021 presidential visit with traditional styling, creating a memorable keepsake for this milestone moment in climate action. This coin captures the spirit of the event and the urgency of climate commitments, making it a meaningful tribute to an impactful gathering.
2022 - Climate Change Conference Challenge Coin
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt
At COP27, President Biden expanded the U.S. Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE), committing to assist over 500 million people in developing countries with climate adaptation by 2030. Key initiatives include doubling the U.S. Adaptation Fund pledge to $100 million and investing over $150 million for African adaptation programs such as early-warning systems and climate forecasting improvements. The U.S. will contribute $10 million to support Egypt’s Cairo Center for Learning and Excellence on Adaptation and Resilience, building capacity among African leaders. Additional support targets climate-smart agriculture, risk-based insurance, and fostering private-sector investments in resilient food systems across vulnerable regions.
Further extending these efforts, the U.S. has committed $15 million for early-warning systems in Pacific island nations and $20 million to bolster resilience in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) through NOAA-led networks. To address global climate-induced migration, $5 million will support the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund. Biden's administration also reinforced the 1.5°C climate goal and launched initiatives for a clean energy transition, including a $250 million U.S.-Germany partnership to support Egypt's renewable energy goals. Strengthening the Global Methane Pledge, the U.S. partnered with countries like Canada and Nigeria to cut methane emissions by 30% by 2030. Additional collaborations focus on green shipping, climate-smart agriculture, and decarbonization, underscoring the U.S. commitment to mobilizing resources for global climate resilience and energy security. Read More
We’re proud of the 2022 COP27 challenge coin, honoring the Climate Change Conference held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. This gold circular coin is designed with a bold black outer border, inscribed with “President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi” at the top and “Climate Change Conference” at the bottom, capturing the significance of Egypt’s leadership in hosting this global event. In the center, the colors of the Egyptian flag—red, white, and black—are displayed, with the iconic Egyptian eagle of Saladin in the white band. An outline of Egypt is featured on the red band, marking Sharm el-Sheikh with a tiny black star, symbolizing the event’s location.
The coin also includes the official COP27 logo within the black ring, alongside text reading “COP27 Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt 2022, 6-18 of November,” celebrating the dates of this pivotal gathering. Each detail embodies Egypt’s role in the global climate movement, creating a timeless keepsake for all involved in the mission to combat climate change.
As we design these pieces, we aim to capture a moment in time—one that reflects not only the achievements of the conference but also the hope for a sustainable future. Wherever the event, each challenge coin stands as a reminder of the power of collective action. We’re honored to play a small part in memorializing these historic efforts and supporting the shared mission of resilience and responsibility on behalf of our planet.
Capturing History One Challenge Coin At A Time.
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