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Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), proudly organised the third edition of the COP Simulation, in collaboration with ADA University in Azerbaijan and under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This youth-led event brought together around 150 participants from 87 universities across 40 countries, along with 22 Egyptian universities, to simulate COP29. The Simulation prepared students for international climate action, enabling them to act as country delegates and stakeholders, developing a comprehensive climate statement to be presented at the official COP29 in Azerbaijan later this year.

From 4-10 October 2024, the COP29 Simulation Conference took place at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ. The first day was dedicated to rehearsals and role assignments, followed by a cultural trip to the Pyramids on the second day. Participants then engaged in thematic discussions and closed negotiations over two days. While chief negotiators focused on policy proposals, other delegates attended sessions such as "The Impact of Egypt’s Green Initiatives," moderated by Ambassador Hisham Badr, and another session by EY4C on youth and COP28 negotiations.

The Opening Plenary featured remarks by Dr. Sarah Elkhishin, Director of Strategy Development and University Advisor on SDGs, and Professor Catherine Harper, Acting Provost. Opening addresses were also made by Mr. Gadir Khalilov from the Youth Foundation ASAP, Azerbaijan, and Dr. Abeer Shakweer, Assistant Resident Representative for Inclusive Growth and Innovation at UNDP Egypt.

The final day of the conference included a special session led by H.E. Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, focusing on the "COP29 Simulation Checklist." Delegates presented research-based discussions followed by the COP29 Simulation Closing Plenary, where outcomes were voted on.

The Closing Ceremony commenced with a recorded message by Mr. Fariz Ismailzade, Vice Rector of ADA University, Azerbaijan followed by a short video, “The COP Simulation Journey,” followed by opening remarks made by Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ and Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, Resident Representative of UNDP Egypt. Keynote speech of H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Aboulgheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States was delivered by Dr. Mahmoud Fathallah, Director of Department of Environmental and Meteorological Affairs.
Delegates then ran the COP29 Simulation Closing Plenary Session and presented and voted on the outcomes of the Simulation.

Finally, the closing remarks of H.E. Professor Mohamed Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research was delivered by Professor Hassan Ossman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research.
Dr. Sarah Elkhishin gave recognition to Top Performers, COP Simulation Fellows and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Rising Stars and extended appreciation to all the team, departments and Student Union for their exceptional contribution towards the success of the COP29 Simulation. Concluding the Simulation were words from the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ, Ms. Farida Khamis.
 

The COP Simulation is integral to the University’s mission of preparing students for international climate action, supporting Egypt’s efforts towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change mitigation. It highlights the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future and fostering future leaders capable of making a global impact.