Apply Now for the COP30 Simulation Fellowship Programme: Step Into Global Climate Leadership

If you’re a university student driven by the urgency of the climate crisis and eager to take part in meaningful change, the COP30 Simulation Fellowship Programme offers an extraordinary opportunity to engage with the international climate agenda.

Organized by the British University in Egypt (BUE) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Egypt, this fellowship is designed to simulate the global climate negotiation process, empower youth with climate diplomacy skills, and connect academic research with policy action. The 2025 edition is especially significant, as it will culminate in participation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, scheduled for 10–21 November 2025.

What Is the COP30 Simulation Fellowship?

The COP Simulation Fellowship is a certified international programme that mirrors the real UN Climate Change Conference, with the goal of preparing students for active roles in climate advocacy and negotiation. The programme includes a combination of virtual learning, in-person simulation, policy paper development, and international exposure.

The initiative is built on three core pillars:

1. Education and Capacity Building

2. Simulation of Negotiations

3. Youth Policy Advocacy at COP30

More than just a model conference, this programme enables young people to develop and debate climate policies that reflect the priorities of their generation. The final outcome is a Youth Declaration on Climate Action, informed by weeks of preparation and collaboration, which will be presented at the real COP30 event in Brazil.

Programme Structure and Phases

The COP30 Simulation Fellowship is organized into four sequential phases:

1. Online Capacity Building – Mid-July 2025
Fellows will begin the programme with a two-week online learning series hosted by academic partners from around the world. These interactive sessions will explore:

• The fundamentals of international climate policy

• Climate justice and youth advocacy

• Effective negotiation techniques

• Case studies on global climate diplomacy
  Led by climate experts, academics, and negotiators, this phase lays the groundwork for the simulation and real-life advocacy work.

2. Policy Paper Development
Participants will be mentored by experienced professionals to write well-researched, actionable climate policy papers. These documents will form the basis of discussions and resolutions at the simulation. Fellows will gain insights into how to frame evidence-based arguments, integrate equity into policy design, and align proposals with international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

3. In-Person COP30 Simulation Conference – September/October 2025
Hosted at the British University in Egypt’s campus in Cairo, this flagship event will bring together approximately 150 students from Egypt, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Participants will represent a variety of stakeholder roles:

• UN member states

• Observer organizations

• Environmental NGOs

• Indigenous communities and youth blocs

During the simulation, delegates will:

• Debate climate policies

• Negotiate resolutions

• Vote on a final declaration to be shared with international leaders

4. Participation at COP30 in Brazil – November 2025
The programme will culminate with the top 20 fellows traveling to Belém, Brazil to present the final Youth Declaration in both the Blue and Green Zones of COP30. These zones represent the heart of official negotiations and civil society engagement at the UN climate summit. Selected fellows will engage with diplomats, UN agencies, environmental activists, and leading climate organizations.

Why Should You Apply?

The COP30 Simulation Fellowship offers a rare combination of learning, networking, and advocacy that goes beyond traditional classroom experiences. Key benefits include:

• Global Networking: Build lasting connections with students, academics, and policy experts from around the world.

• Skill Development: Hone your abilities in policy writing, negotiation, leadership, and diplomacy.

• Certified Experience: Earn a certificate of completion that adds weight to your academic and professional portfolio.

• International Exposure: Gain access to the real COP30 conference in Brazil and present your ideas on a world stage.

• Practical Impact: Contribute to meaningful youth-led climate policies that may influence real decision-making.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to university students from all academic backgrounds (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD)

• Applicants from any country are welcome

• Must demonstrate a strong interest in climate change, sustainable development, or public policy

• Experience in environmental activism, diplomacy, or writing is preferred but not mandatory

• Strong commitment to completing all phases of the programme

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 8 June 2025

• Selected Fellows Notified: 1 July 2025

• Online Capacity Building: Mid-July 2025

• In-Person Simulation in Egypt: September/October 2025

• COP30 in Brazil: 10–21 November 2025

How to Apply

To apply for the COP30 Simulation Fellowship, complete the official application form by the deadline:

Apply Now via Google Form

For more programme details and eligibility requirements, visit:
BUE COP Simulation Page