Road to the COP28
The COP Simulation Model is a youth-led climate conference organised by the UNDP and the British University in Egypt, bringing students together worldwide to simulate the COP and country delegates and representatives of international climate stakeholders. The joint activity is held annually under the auspices of COP27-United Nations Climate Change Conference Presidency, the Egyptian Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Youth and Sports, the British Embassy in Egypt, and the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin.
The 2022 COP27 Simulation Model was an outstanding success. It was attended by 130 participants from around the globe, representing 21 Egyptian universities and 34 International universities from 25 countries. The opening of the conference was attended by the UK Secretary of State for Education, H.E. Ambassador Gillian Keegan as well as Egyptian ministers, diplomates and academic professors. The outcomes of the COP27 Simulation were presented at Sharm El-Sheikh in two widely recognised sessions in the Blue Zone and the Green Zone.
Upon the positive outcomes of the COP27 Simulation, the UNDP and the British University in Egypt organised the second version of the COPsimulation, in collaboration with Zayed University- the UAE. The COP28 Simulation was another level of success where, out of 2700 applications, 140 students were selected from 34 countries and 32 universities around the world. Selected delegates attended a two-week capacity-building programme offered by seasoned professionals from global academic institutions and organisations. They were trained on climate literacy, international climate action, the role of youth in climate action diplomacy, debate, and conflict resolution. The COP28 Mock Conference was held at the British University in Egypt where participants simulated country delegates, chief negotiators, and non-state actors, and they voted on the articles of the COP28 Simulation declaration. The final stage was the participation in the actual COP28 @Dubai-expo, where around 25 of our participants had the chance to present the outcomes of the Mock Conference declaration and present their experiences through three sessions that were held in the Blue and Green Zones at COP28. The COP28 Simulation was identified as the largest student representation at the COP28.
The UNDP and the British University in Egypt are currently in the process of preparing for the COP29 Simulation and discussing collaboration opportunities with potential academic and strategic partners in Azerbaijan.
