As prepared for delivery

Ladies and gentlemen,

It’s a great pleasure to be here today for the third edition of the annual COP Simulation Programme.

This program is designed to empower young people to take an active role in the fight against climate change. 

This year, we are proud to welcome 130 students from over 40 countries and 87 universities, including 22 Egyptian universities. 

These students have had the unique opportunity to simulate COP29, engaging in debates and discussions on critical climate issues.

After an intensive two-week capacity-building program, the students will present and vote on the COP29 Simulation Declaration, which will be showcased at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

At UNDP, we believe that youth are the future. 

That’s why we are committed to involving them in global discussions on the challenges our world faces—especially climate change, one of the most pressing issues of our time.

The true value of the COP simulation lies in its ability to inspire new ideas and transformational thinking, providing a space to explore solutions for climate action.

Time is running out. 

As the world faces record-breaking heat and approaches dangerous tipping points, the impact on human health, ecosystems, and infrastructure is enormous. 

The urgency of action has never been clearer.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this initiative possible, especially our partners: The British University in Egypt (BUE), UNDP Egypt, ADA University, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

But most of all, I want to thank the outstanding young women and men here today. 

You are the leaders who can drive us toward a greener, more sustainable future. 

Your energy, ideas, and commitment give us hope that, together, we can create the change our planet so urgently needs.

Thank you.