The British University in Egypt and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) commenced the first stage of the International COP27 Simulation Model -the Capacity Building Programme - on Sunday, 11th September 2022. The Model is organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, the COP27 High-Level Climate Action Champion.

H.E. Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin said “I have all the pleasure and honor to join you today in the British University in Egypt. when this simulation was planned, I had a very positive impression. I got an update on the numbers for this unique project we had applicants from all around the world. The project is not for, elite, political leaders, and sophisticated people, it is for everyone”. He concluded, “I will be with you again to participate in the day that will be witnessing the outcomes of your involvement and I am happy to be part of this and I would like to Thank the British University in Egypt for hosting and all the participants from all around the world in this very engaging and challenging exciting model that will have great outcomes on the participants.” He affirmed the importance of simulation models as innovative ways to not only to accumulate knowledge but also to create a space for youth to design and share ideas and solutions for climate action and they can also be perceived as of the localization tools of sustainable development.

In her interactive talk with the participating youth, Dr. Omnia El-Omrani, the COP27 President Envoy on Youth explained the role of youth in climate action stating “The objectives for the Egypt Presidency in COP 27 and having a Meaningful youth engagement at COP27 and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC processes and transform this silo between Yonge people, decision-makers and the climate space to have a better synchronization,  Inspiring, mobilizing and uniting the youth to drive change for climate action and develop innovative partnerships and resources to enable youth to fully engage at Cop27.

Professor Guy Daly stated “This challenge of Climate Change is the challenge of our times. It cuts across peoples, countries, faiths, and social divisions. It is, therefore, timely that our University and its partners including the Egyptian Government and its Ministries, NGOs, universities, and the UNDP have joined together through this Forum where we simulate COP27 and lead on initiatives supporting the actual COP27. The COP27 Simulation Model, organised by The British University in Egypt, resonates with our University because it is about people being active in their learning, understanding the challenges, and sharing solutions. This aligns with our curricula at The British University in Egypt where we have embedded the SDGs goals into our Degree Programmes and aligns with the principles of our curricula which include, a global disposition, promoting active learning, utilizing the tools of simulation.”

Dr. Abeer Shakweer, UNDP Assistant Resident Representative in Egypt said "We are proud to launch the COP27 Simulation Model with the British University in Cairo. UNDP is playing an important role in supporting the Egyptian Government in its preparation for COP27. Youth are critical agents of change and tomorrow's leaders. This simulation will provide them with a highly beneficial, interdisciplinary, and cross-cultural learning opportunity to discuss, work together, and come up with ideas and solutions to face one of the most pressing global challenges, climate change."

In her opening remarks, Dr. Sarah El-Khishin, the Head of the COP27 Simulation Model, highlighted that this simulation model is organized in collaboration with UNDP under the shared vision to support the implementation of SDGs, skill youth and support our closer and wider communities. “This global youth-led climate conference brings students together from around the world to simulate country delegates and representatives of international climate stakeholders. Around 170 participants from 52 countries and around 120 Egyptian and international Universities are trained by distinguished scholars and practitioners to simulate country delegates and representatives of international climate stakeholders to promote a live dialogue on climate action. Participants from Egypt and other countries are invited to Cairo to participate in the Mock COP27 Conference scheduled on 18th-20thof October, hosted by the British University in Egypt”.

The commencement witnessed opening remarks and attendance of Professor Yehia Bahei-El-Din, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President for Research and Enterprise – The British University in Egypt, Professor Guy Daly, Provost- The British University in Egypt, Dr. Abeer Shakweer- UNDP Assistant Resident Representative, Dr. Sarah El-Khishin- Associate Professor of Economics and the Head of the COP27 Simulation Model.