The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the British University in Egypt (BUE) have joined forces to inspire and empower youth to take action against climate change. 

Through our annual COP Simulation series, students from around the world step into the shoes of negotiators, experiencing the challenges and complexities of international climate diplomacy firsthand. 

Experience Climate Negotiations Like Never Before

The COP Simulation is a youth-led initiative that mirrors the dynamics of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). Participants represent nations and organizations, engaging in realistic negotiations to tackle pressing global challenges. This immersive program hones essential skills in:

• Diplomacy and consensus-building
• Policy-making and problem-solving
• Effective communication across cultural and political divides

A Global Movement Since 2022

Since its inception, the COP Simulation series has brought together hundreds of students from dozens of countries. It’s more than a simulation—it's a platform for meaningful action, fostering a generation of informed and driven climate advocates who contribute to shaping a sustainable future.

A Strong Partnership for Climate Action: UNDP & BUE

In February 2022, UNDP and BUE formalized their shared vision for climate action through a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement, witnessed by H.E. Gareth Bayley, British Ambassador to Egypt, underscores a commitment to empowering youth and advancing innovative solutions for sustainable development. During the ceremony, UNDP Egypt Resident Representative Alessandro Fracassetti and BUE President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohamed Loutfi highlighted the partnership’s role in strengthening Egypt's leadership in global climate sustainability. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)m the MoU facilitates action-oriented research and hands-on educational initiatives.

Global Collaboration for Climate Leadership

The annual COP Simulation series is a cornerstone of the UNDP and BUE partnership, showcasing shared commitment to empowering youth in climate action. Held under the auspices of the COP Presidency and supported by the Egyptian Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the COP Simulation Programme is implemented in collaboration with the British Embassy in Cairo and supported by a wide range of national and international institutions. The series brings together students from all over the world for an unparalleled educational experience.

COP30 Simulation

Building on the success of the COP27, COP28, and COP29 simulations, UNDP Egypt and The British University in Egypt (BUE), in partnership with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ-COPPE) and the Federal University of Pará, launched the COP30 Simulation to further empower youth as future climate leaders and negotiators. Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in collaboration with the British Embassy in Cairo, the Programme brought together students from around the world for a transformative climate leadership experience. 

From nearly 3,000 applications, around 150 delegates representing more than 40 countries and over 90 universities were selected to participate in the programme. Delegates took part in a two-week online capacity-building programme covering climate literacy, diplomacy, negotiations, debate, conflict resolution, and youth-led climate action, delivered by international academic institutions and organizations. 

Hosted at The British University in Egypt, the COP30 Mock Conference simulated real UN climate negotiations, where participants assumed the roles of country delegates, chief negotiators, and non-state actors. Students debated and voted on research-based resolutions that contributed to the COP30 Simulation Declaration, later presented at COP30 in Brazil. 

 This year’s edition also introduced the Just Transition Lab and the Debt Alliance and Climate Finance Lab, which produced final communiqués presented during COP30, alongside the launch of the COP30 Sustainability Exhibition showcasing innovative projects by BUE students and Egyptian NGOs.  

Building on its growing global impact, the COP30 Simulation delegation participated in multiple sessions at the Blue and Green Zones during COP30, engaging directly with policymakers, diplomats, and climate leaders, while continuing to amplify youth voices in international climate action discussions. 

Road to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye 

For the fifth consecutive year, The British University in Egypt and UNDP Egypt are proud to organize the COP Simulation Programme, an annual international initiative that brings together students from around the world to simulate the Conference of the Parties (COP). For more information and to apply: COP31 Simulation Brochure - Call for Applications 

Find out more

Each year, we partner with a leading academic institution from the COP host country, fostering global collaboration and enriching the program's reach and impact.

COP27 Simulation | COP28 Simulation | COP29 Simulation