BUE, UNDP launch fifth COP simulation program in Egypt

27 / 09 / 2026

By Marwa Nassar - -

The British University in Egypt (BUE) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Egypt launched the fifth edition of the global COP Simulation Program, bringing together 150 students from 43 countries and 115 universities to simulate climate negotiations and develop policy solutions.BUE, UNDP launch fifth COP simulation program in Egypt

The opening of the COP31 Simulation Program Conference took place today under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Egyptian Expatriates, and the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, in collaboration with academic partner Akdeniz University in Antalya, Türkiye.

Now in its fifth consecutive year, the program is the first initiative of its kind in Egypt and the largest youth climate diplomacy program in the MENA region. Since its launch alongside COP27, it has grown into a network of more than 600 fellows.

From climate learning to negotiation:

The six-day program, running from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1, is designed around a learning-by-doing approach, with students taking on the roles of country delegates and climate stakeholders.

Participants conduct research, receive expert mentorship, and negotiate and debate climate policies as part of a full simulation of the climate diplomacy process. The program focuses on developing skills in negotiation and diplomacy while exposing students to the practical challenges of climate policymaking.

This year’s program focuses on moving from commitments to implementation, with research Labs examining Climate Finance and Debt and Just Transition, including issues related to finance, debt, trade, resilience and climate justice.

Youth declaration to carry forward to COP31:

The program will culminate in a youth-led COP31 Simulation Declaration on Oct. 1, which organizers said will be carried forward to the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, in November.

Dr. Sarah El-Khishin, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Data at BUE and Founding Director of the COP Simulation Program, said students will bring their policy research to the negotiating table and work toward a negotiated declaration.

The program reflects BUE and UNDP Egypt’s focus on strengthening youth participation in climate action and environmental policymaking, while connecting students across nationalities and institutions.

Growing global participation:

BUE President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohamed Loutfi MBE said the program reflects the university’s focus on preparing students to contribute to global challenges, noting that this year’s edition brings together participants from 43 countries and 115 universities.

Since its launch, BUE’s student representation on the global COP stage has expanded with each edition, reaching its largest level at COP30 in Belém.

UNDP Resident Representative in Egypt Chitose Noguchi said the program equips young people with diplomatic skills and evidence-based negotiation tools to contribute to climate policy and turn ideas into action in their communities.

The closing ceremony is expected to bring together current and former ministers, as well as representatives of the League of Arab States, embassies and international organizations.