As prepared for delivery 

Prof. Mohamed Lutfi, President of the British University in Egypt

Excellency Ambassador Paulino Franco de Carvalho Neto, Ambassador of Brazil in Egypt

Distinguished guests,

Dear COP simulation delegates,

It is a great pleasure to be here with you today, at the conclusion of this remarkable COP Mock Conference, which we are proud to co-organize with The British University in Egypt, for the fourth year in a row.

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt congratulations to each of you—negotiators, facilitators, technical advisors, and observers—for your passion, your persistence, and your pursuit of a better future.

Over the past few months, we have witnessed much more than a simulation. We have seen diplomacy in action and ideas take flight. Most importantly, we have seen the emergence of a new generation of climate leaders.

This platform has not only mirrored the complexities of international climate negotiations but has also amplified the power of youth-driven solutions.

When we launched the COP30 Simulation, we spoke about stepping into the role of negotiators—and shaping your own future.

Today, I can say with confidence: you HAVE stepped into the role of the negotiators and you ARE shaping your own future. 

You debated hard truths and defended your values. You navigated complexity with both skill and compassion. And you reminded all of us that climate leadership is not about waiting for your turn—it’s about stepping up when it matters.

This inspiring journey would not have been possible without the strength of our collaboration with our important partners.

Since 2022, UNDP together with the British University in Egypt have been a true catalyst and a driving force behind this movement. 

The British University in Egypt has shown that academic institutions are not just centers of learning, but engines of transformation.

I would also like to extend my gratitude to our partners from Zayed University and ADA University, who have been with us in COP28 and COP29 Simulations respectively.

This year, we are especially pleased to welcome our new partners for the COP30 Simulation—the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Federal University of Pará—whose collaboration further strengthens our shared mission.

Together, we have created a global space where young people unite across borders to learn about climate policy and, in the process, discover the power of diverse voices and shared perspectives.

This is what climate diplomacy looks like. And this is what the future of multilateralism demands.

For decades, youth empowerment and youth climate leadership have been a core aspiration for UNDP.

Today, we see this in action at the global and local levels. Globally, through initiatives like UNDP’s Youth4Climate, which has supported over 100 youth-led projects across more than 50 countries.

And in Egypt through our UNDP-BUE partnership, which gives youth hands-on experience in negotiation, diplomacy, and policy.

So as this phase of the COP simulation closes, and as we look forward to COP30 in Belém, I leave you with one request:

Do not let this momentum and energy stay within these walls.

Take the knowledge you’ve gained, the skills you’ve sharpened, and the spirit you’ve nurtured—and bring it to your universities, your communities, your countries, and yes, to the actual COPs of the future.

Whether you end up in negotiation rooms, research labs, civil society, private sector, or government—know that this experience has already prepared you to lead.

On behalf of the UNDP and in the spirit of partnership that defined this journey, thank you.

Thank you for showing up with passion.

Thank you for engaging with purpose.

And thank you for proving that climate action can be, and is in your hands. 

The Mock Conference may be closing, but your work is just beginning.  I know you will be a powerful voice in the real COP30 in Belem, and beyond. 

Thank you.