The COP31 Simulation Programme 2026 is a prestigious international youth initiative designed to prepare students and young leaders for real-world climate diplomacy and global policy engagement. Organized by The British University in Egypt in partnership with United Nations Development Programme, this program brings together young participants from around the world to simulate high-level climate negotiations modeled after the Conference of the Parties (COP).

This year’s edition marks the Road to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, offering an immersive learning experience in climate governance, negotiation strategy, and international policy development.

About the COP Simulation Programme

The COP Simulation Programme is an annual international academic and experiential learning initiative that recreates the structure and negotiations of the official UN climate conferences.

Each year, students from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds come together to:

Represent countries in simulated climate negotiations
Debate global environmental policies
Develop climate action proposals
Participate in international diplomatic discussions

Over the past four years, approximately 160 students annually have participated, representing universities from across the world.

Programme Objectives

This simulation is designed to build a new generation of climate leaders by strengthening key global skills, including:

1. Climate Diplomacy and Negotiation

Participants learn how international climate agreements are formed and negotiated at global summits.

2. Policy Development and Research

Students gain experience in:

Evidence-based policymaking
Climate policy research
Strategic environmental planning

3. Leadership and Collaboration

The programme builds:

Teamwork across cultures
Leadership in global discussions
Cross-border collaboration skills

4. Climate Advocacy and Action

Participants develop the ability to:

Advocate for climate justice
Design actionable climate solutions
Engage in global environmental dialogue

Special Research Innovation Labs (Past Edition Highlights)

The COP30 Simulation introduced advanced research platforms, including:

Debt Alliance and Climate Finance Lab
Just Transition Lab

These labs produced policy communiqués that were later presented at COP30 in Belém, demonstrating the programme’s real-world policy relevance.

Global Partnerships and Recognition

The programme is supported by multiple national and international institutions, including:

Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Higher Education, and Youth
The British Embassy in Cairo
Global academic partners from COP presidency countries

Past collaborations included:

Zayed University (UAE) for COP28 Simulation
ADA University (Azerbaijan) for COP29 Simulation
Federal University of Pará and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) for COP30 Simulation

Certification and Recognition

Participants who successfully complete the programme will receive official certification recognizing their skills in:

Climate diplomacy and advocacy
International negotiation
Climate policy research and analysis

Why This Programme Matters

Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges, and this programme equips young leaders with the tools to actively engage in global solutions.

Participants will gain: