British University in Egypt inaugurates COP28 Simulation Model

The British University in Egypt, under the leadership of the University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, inaugurated the COP28 Simulation Model on Thursday, 9th November, which is organised by The British University in Egypt for the second year in a row, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Zayed University, United Arab Emirates.
The COP28 Simulation Model organised under the auspices of the COP27-United Nations Climate Change Conference Presidency, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the British Embassy in Egypt, and the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, H.E. Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, at the University’s campus in El Shorouk City, Cairo.
The University successfully organised the Simulation Model for the second year in a row, following the great success of last year’s COP27 Simulation Model. The Model brings together around 130 students from 46 different universities from 33 countries around the world and will last for three days, from 9th November to 11th November.
The closing ceremony of the COP28 Simulation Model will be attended by the Minister of Environment, H.E. Professor Yasmine Fouad, the Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Professor Ashraf Sobhy, the British Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Ambassador Gareth Bailey, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt, H.E. Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, the Director of Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development Department at the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chief Climate Negotiator for Egypt and Africa, H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Nasr, the United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative, Mr Alesandro Fracassetti, and the Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates, Professor Michael Allen.
The British University in Egypt’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, welcomed the participating students in the COP28 Simulation Model, wishing them a successful scientific and practical experience that contributes to their qualification for effective and fruitful participation in the Climate Summit and expressing the readiness of The British University in Egypt and its partners to provide full support to students participating in the Simulation Model.
The Head of Strategy Development at The British University in Egypt, and Head of the COP Simulation Model, Dr Sarah ElKhishin, confirmed that “The British University in Egypt is organising the annual COP Simulation Model for the second year in a row, as a national initiative with a broad international perspective. It brings together students from all over the world and creates a dynamic environment to expose students to debate and discuss evolving climate issues.
The COP28 Simulation Model is one of the activities that features our University’s Strategy’s core purpose and pillars, among which are supporting the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and becoming partners in Egypt’s Vision 2030. The University strives to achieve its purpose as a student-centred University that supports the local and international communities through its academic and extracurricular activities and growing partnerships.”
The Egyptian COP27 Presidency auspices of this year’s COP28 Simulation Model, in addition to the continued sponsorship of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, all demonstrate their strong belief in the importance of this national initiative and its effective role in supporting the climate agenda by building the skills of the youths and promoting their roles in supporting Climate Action, which, undoubtedly, represent a part of the core outcomes of the December COP28- Dubai.
The Assistant Resident Representative and the Inclusive Growth and Innovation Team Leader at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Egypt, Dr Abeer Shakweer, said “The 1.8 billion young men and women around the world represent a powerful force for change. The COP Simulation Model is a useful programme for youth engagement in global discussions on Climate Change, the greatest challenge of our time. We are proud to implement the COP28 Simulation Model this year, for the second time in a row, and to involve more partners and stakeholders.”
The Associate Professor of Economics and Finance, Dr Suzanna El Massah, confirmed that “This COP28 Simulation Model is a unique and valuable opportunity for our students from Zayed University to delve into the depths of international negotiations and their complexities, particularly concerning current climate issues. It is an educational experience that bridges the gap between theory and practice, allowing them a profound understanding of the vital role they play in shaping their environmental future. Their participation, today, is an investment in the future leaders who will carry the torch of Climate Action in COP28 and beyond.”
The Simulation Model is part of the University’s efforts to develop the students’ capabilities, train them for international Climate Action, and enhance diplomatic, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, believing in its substantial role in supporting Egypt and global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address climate change. The Simulation Model also encourages cooperation among international academic institutions to support national and regional efforts and to prepare students to participate in this year’s COP28 Climate Summit held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30th November to 12th December 2023.