In an event delivered today by British Council Wales and the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, cutting-edge simulation software was used to let pupils became world leaders, corporate lobbyists, and international media for intense negotiations that mirrored real-world UN climate crisis talks.
The stakes were high: keep global warming below 1.5°C whilst balancing the competing interests of nations rich and poor. Pupils took on roles including delegates from the USA, China, India, the EU, Australia, UK, UAE, Japan, Egypt, Tuvalu, Nigeria, Brazil, and COP29 host nation Azerbaijan. Other participants acted as journalists, fossil fuel lobbyists, climate activists and UN Secretary Generals.
During the negotiations, pupils wrestled with the same thorny issues that will face COP29 delegates at the global forum in Azerbaijan this month - from slashing emissions to funding climate adaptation in vulnerable countries.
Joshua Romain from Ysgol Plasmawr and Gleb Shishnev from Westbourne School stepped into the roles of ‘UN Secretaries General’.
Joshua spoke about the debate saying “The best thing about today was how involved and engaged everyone was in the debate. It’s clear to see how much our generation cares about the environment and we are calling for change”. He added “it’s going to be a difficult few years for climate action, but today has been all about engaging in the process and it’s been very thought provoking with lots of ideas produced.”
By the end of the debate, pupils collectively agreed to keep global warming under 1.8°C, just over the target, but made headway with strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support nations, and develop adaptation measures to protect cities and people. The young people were also issued with a climate pledge certificate as testament to their commitment to act on climate change.
“The climate crisis is undeniably the defining challenge of our time. said Ruth Cocks, British Council Director Wales “Our Global Perceptions survey shows it's the number one concern for young people worldwide, and the devastating impacts we're seeing - from floods to storms - make it clear why.
"Today at the Temple of Peace, we've brought together pupils from 11 schools across Wales to step into the shoes of COP negotiators, and they’ve seen first-hand the complexity and importance of global climate negotiations and the geopolitics and diplomacy at play.
"Wales may be a small nation, but we're a progressive one with ambitious climate goals to be a globally responsible nation. At British Council Wales, we're organising events like this to help equip young people to look outwards, with the capability to create global connections and the intercultural skills needed to work on the international stage. Watching these young people tackle the negotiations today gives me confidence in the future of climate leadership in Wales and beyond"
Dr Caroline Wainwright a climate scientist from Leeds University, convened the debate simulation saying: “These students are key participants in shaping our climate future. They've shown exactly why we need to amplify youth voices in climate action - they bring fresh perspectives, urgency, and collaborative approaches to these critical discussions. Having worked with these young people today, I'm confident they'll continue to push for ambitious climate action. They understand that this isn't just about future generations - it's about their generation, and they're more than ready to take the lead."
Jane Harries, Peace Education Manager at WCIA concluded: “On the eve of COP29, it's important that young people have the opportunity to explore how the nations of the world can realistically cut climate emissions to avoid climate catastrophe. We were so pleased to support the British Council with this event for young people in Wales. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the students, teachers and staff that we worked with for all their efforts in making this event a success.”
The event forms part of the British Council's Schools Connect programme, bringing an international perspective into UK classrooms through 2024-2027. Climate change and sustainability are central themes, reflecting the British Council’s commitment to helping young people develop the skills needed to tackle global challenges. Through international partnerships and connections, Schools Connect creates opportunities for meaningful dialogue and action on climate issues, recognising that today's students will be tomorrow's climate leaders.
Through the Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people globally to find creative solutions to climate change in support of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan this month. The British Council is supporting the summit by engaging with networks of education professionals, students, academics, researchers, artists, civil society leaders and policymakers to participate in meaningful dialogue and bring about real change for our planet.
This event continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Wales visit https://wales.britishcouncil.org/ or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
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