In November 2022, Egypt will host the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh. The British University in Egypt is collaborating with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the National Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, to launch the COP27 SIMULATION MODEL.
The #COP27Simulation Model
The British University in Egypt organised the #COP27 Simulation which is a youth-led Global conference that simulates the real COP27. The model was organised in collaboration with the UNDP and under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and H.E. Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, the COP27 High-Level Climate Action Champion.
Out of more than 2000 student applicants around the world, 130 students were selected from 25 countries, 34 international Universities in addition to 21 Egyptian Universities. The COP27Simulation Model consisted of three main stages. Primarily, an intensive two-weeks capacity building programme was held to skill and train the participants on climate literacy, international climate action, diplomacy and conflict management in addition to research and interpersonal skills. The second stage was mentored research on climate action topics. The third stage was the three day international mock-conference that was hosted by the British University in Egypt during the period 18-20 October.
During the Mock conference, students simulated plenary and technical discussions and passed resolutions that were then published in the COP27Simulation Declaration.
The declaration contained many articles most importantly articles related to mitigating carbon practices and investment in green energy, the creation of a fund to mobilise needs-based finance for and also recommendations on establishment of the loss and damage fund which was remarkably also established in the real COP27. The final article called for the substantial cancellation of developing countries’ sovereign debt.
The outcomes and youth voices of the #COP27Simulation model were well heared during Egypt’s COP27 at Sharm El-Sheikh. On the Science and Youth Day -November 10th, we had two organized sessions in the Green Zone and the Blue Zone.
Our session in the Green Zone entitled “Our Take on Climate Finance” where students presented their proposals and discussed with the panel their ideas regarding finance, debt and loss and damage.
The other session, organised at the Blue zone was an interactive session on the whole journey of the OCP27Simulation Model, the lessons learnt and how the participating youth believe that can utilise this experience in becoming future change agents.
As always highlighted by Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor at The British University in Egypt, the COP27Simulation Model is a clear example of the University new strategic direction, placing students at the heart of the University activities and persistence to become active players when it comes to the implementation of SDGs.
The COP27Simulation model was a unique and distinct activity, not just in skilling the youth and bringing their voices to Sharm El-Sheikh, but also in being a very inclusive University activity where the profound and passionate collaboration was evident. Thanks to the more than 70 academic and administrative staff members who supported the COP27Simlation Model who worked hard for more than 7 months to have this activity implemented in the best possible way. The COP27Simulation model was also very successful to engage the Students’ Union and Smoove club during all its stages. The COP27 Simulation is now being considered as a fixed activity in coming future COP meetings worldwide – a huge testimony to the success of the project.
For more, see the COP27-Brochure-2
