FAQ for young climate activists:

Before Registering for the Platform:

Q: What is the digital bed exchange platform?

A: The digital bed exchange platform aims to connect young climate activists with hosts in Bonn who are willing to offer them a place to stay during the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Conference (SB58).

Q: How do I register for the bedexchange

A: To register for the platform, you have to fill in the "Guest" form.

Q: Will I be guaranteed accomodation?

A: No. Despite doing our utmost to have as much accomodation available, we expect more demand than supply for rooms. Hence we will allocate rooms according to priority groups outlined below.

Q: After which criteria are guests and hosts matched?

A: We will prioritize the guest inquiries as explained in the diagram. The inquiries will be ordered by the categories with priorities from top to bottom. So people, under 27, part of a marginalized group, Global South, Below 21 who already have an accreditation will be matched at first. Afterwards all people in the same categories but not accredited, afterwards the one from Global South and above 21 (but under 27) who are accredited, and so on.

Matching criteria

Before Arrival:

Q: How do I find out about my host?

A: After we match hosts and guests after the outlined criterias below, we will contact you about information about your host. This might be shortly before your arrival, we will do our best to send you all the information as soon as possible.

Q: What should I do if I have questions or concerns about my host or accommodation?

A: If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your host or bedexchange@klimadelegation.de.

Q: What if I need a confirmation of Accommodation for Visa Application

A: We have prepared several templates here: English, French and Spanish. Just get in touch with your host.

During Exchange:

Q: What are my responsibilities as a guest?

A: As a guest, you are responsible for respecting your host's space and house rules and communicating clearly and respectfully with them. Please talk to your host about how to access the accomodation.

Q: What if I have a problem during my stay with my host?

A: If you encounter any issues during your stay with your host, please contact us immediately at bedexchange@klimadelegation.de. We will do our best to help resolve the issue and ensure that you have a safe and comfortable stay.

After Exchange:

Q: Can I leave feedback of my experience with my host?

A: Yes, you can leave feedback at bedexchange@klimadelegation.de to help us in the future.

Q: What should I do if I have a problem with my host after my stay?

A: If you encounter any issues after your stay, please contact bedexchange@klimadelegation.de.

FAQ for hosts:

General information about the bed exchange and the SB58

Q: What is the SB58?

A: The SB58, also named UNFCCC Bonn Climate Conference takes place every June in Bonn at the World Conference Centre to prepare the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the biggest Climate Conference in the World. Delegates from several countries, members from NGOs and other civil organisations, activists and lobbyists from around the world are attend the SB Conferences every year to negotiate about coordinated climate action worldwide.

Q: What is the bed exchange and why am I needed as a host?

A: There are many young climate activists from around the world coming to the SB58 in Bonn. They usually have a very limited budget and accomodations are very expensive. Therefore they need cheap accomodation to be able to attend the conference. Usually, most of the activists are accredited for the conference, which means they are allowed to attend the conference to try to influence decisions. Especially for activists from the Global South it is very important to attend the conference because their voices are often ignored. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers in Bonn who are interested in hosting activists during their stay here. The bed exchange platform was develped by the Developers For Future and the bed exchange is organised by the Klimadelegation and Fridays For Future Bonn.

Q: Do I get paid for accomodating guests?

A: No! We are looking for volunteers who can host activists free of charge. Most of them are very young and do not have much money, the whole reason of the bed exchange is to provide free accomodation.

Before Registering for the Platform:

Q: What are the requirements to become a host on the platform?

A: To become a host, you need to have a spare room or bed or sofa or space for an air mattress available during the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Conference.

Q: How do I register as a host on the platform?

A: To register as a host, you have to fill in the "Host" Form on the Website.

Q: Can I host more than one person?

A: Yes! You can host as many activists as you wish if you have the space. Just Add for each person how you can accomodate them in the form.

Before Arrival:

Q: How can I ensure a comfortable and safe experience for my guest?

A: To ensure a comfortable and safe experience, provide clean bedding and towels, access to bathroom facilities, and clear instructions and house rules.

Q: How can I communicate with my guest before their arrival?

A: As soon as we match hosts with their guests, we will send you details about how to contact your guest.

Q: What if they need a confirmation of Accommodation for Visa Application

A: We have prepared several templates here: English, French and Spanish.

During Exchange:

Q: What are my responsibilities as a host?

A: As a host, you are primarily responsible for providing a safe and comfortable space for your guest. Additionally, however, you are invited to take advantage of having an international visitor in your home. However, please note that the main purpose of the guest being in Bonn is for climate activism purposes, it may hence be the case that he or she does not spend much time at home other than sleeping.

Q: Do I need to provide food for the activists?

A: No, you do not have to. However, they might be happy to have some breakfast and maybe also dinner. But this is not a necessity and you should talk to your guest about needs and what time he*she is at home.

Q: Can I be ensured that there is intercultural exchange in the form of regular dinners or so?

A: No. The guests are in Bonn for their climate activism and primarily need a home. If there is the possibility and willingness from both sides, we are happy if there are opportunities for intercultural exchange.

Q: What if I have a problem during my stay with my guest?

A: If you encounter any issues during your stay with your host, please contact us immediately at bedexchange@klimadelegation.de. We will do our best to help resolve the issue.

After Exchange:

Q: Can I leave feedback of my experience with my guest?

A: Yes, you can leave feedback after the exchange, you will be contacted accordingly.

Q: What should I do if I have a problem with my guest after their stay?

A: If you encounter any issues after your guest's stay, please contact us at bedexchange@klimadelegation.de.

Q: Can I host on the platform again for the following Bonn Climate Conference next year?

A: We would be very grateful! Please make sure that you tick the box in the form allowing us to send you a mail next year.