The British University in Egypt, under the leadership of Dr. Mohamed Lotfi, and the UN Development Programme in Egypt, led by Resident Representative Chitetsu Noguchi, have inaugurated the fifth edition of the COP31 Simulation Programme. This year's event is held under the auspices of the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. The program is organized in collaboration with Akdeniz University in Antalya, Turkey.
The program brings together 150 students from 43 countries and 115 universities worldwide, including 25 Egyptian universities. This international experience combines scientific research, policy writing, and diplomatic negotiation skills. The event aims to equip students with the skills to understand and address climate change complexities. The program's fifth edition marks a significant milestone in capacity building and student engagement.
Dr. Mohamed Lotfi emphasized that achieving sustainable development goals, including climate objectives, requires a new generation with the skills to comprehend and address these challenges. The COP31 Simulation Programme provides a hands-on experience, allowing students to engage with real-world issues, analyze problems, and develop actionable solutions. This approach fosters critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills.
The program's value lies not only in simulating COP sessions but also in training students to manage differences and convert them into collaborative opportunities. Dr. Lotfi highlighted that climate issues require collective action and inclusive solutions. By bringing together students from diverse backgrounds, the program promotes dialogue, partnership, and a deeper understanding of global climate challenges.
Chitetsu Noguchi stressed that addressing climate change requires science-based actions and the active engagement of young people. The fifth edition of the COP31 Simulation Programme reflects the strong partnership between the British University in Egypt and the UN Development Programme. Noguchi emphasized that equipping young people with diplomatic and negotiation skills enables them to contribute to climate policy development and translate ideas into concrete actions.
Dr. Sara El-Khoshin, Assistant to the University President for Strategic Development and Head of the Programme, explained that the event allows students to present their research and ideas in a simulated negotiation setting. They will discuss key climate issues, including mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, climate finance, and climate justice. The program culminates in the drafting and voting on a COP31 simulation declaration.
The programme's impact extends beyond the simulation, as it aims to empower a new generation of leaders to drive climate action and sustainable development. The British University in Egypt's commitment to achieving sustainable development goals is reflected in its recent membership in the UN Sustainable Development Goals Network. The university has also been shortlisted for "The Awards Arab World 2026" in the "Distinctive Leadership in Environmental Sustainability" category.
Key points
- The programme brings together 150 students from 43 countries and 115 universities worldwide.
- The event aims to equip students with skills to understand and address climate change complexities.
- The program fosters critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills among participants.
