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To empower the young climate leaders and clavellate with global perspectives: The 9th Model Climate Change Conference of Parties was successfully held in Beijing
From 15-17 September 2024, the 9th Model Climate Change Conference of Parties (MCCCOP9) was successfully co-organized by the School of Environment at Tsinghua University and UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia. The event was graciously hosted by the Global Environment Program (GEP) of Tsinghua University, Beijing 101 Middle School and the Student Association on Net-Zero Future.
Spanning a 2-day online training and a 3-day on-site mock negotiation held simultaneously at two sub-venues—Tsinghua University and Beijing 101 Middle School—the conference drew a total of 849 participants. Among them, 271 young individuals from 19 countries were selected as representatives for the mock negotiations, with 50 high school and university students volunteering their time and efforts in the organizational aspects.
Through rigorous consultations and negotiations, the representatives successfully drafted two significant outcome documents, addressing the work plans for the Financial Standing Committee and charting global pathways for a just transition in climate change. The main venue was enlivened by side events, salons, and climate-themed board game workshops, while the sub-venues showcased climate exhibitions and climate riddle activities, adding further diversity to the conference's offerings.
Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director of the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony. He stated, "UNESCO commits to collaborate with young people to tackle the climate crisis and foster sustainable development." He emphasized that "finding consensus through the diverse voices is the core spirit of the United Nations." He encouraged the delegates to engage in open and respectful communication, to deeply comprehend the issues surrounding climate change, and to contribute their responsibility and global perspective to the fight against it.
Professor Yue Dongbei, Deputy Dean of Tsinghua University's School of Environment, extended a warm welcome and expressed his hope that participants would enhance their professional skills, deepen their understanding of global issues, and strengthen their sense of responsibility as the younger generation. He urged them to aspire to become internationally-minded talents and to take on the significant tasks of advancing China's ecological civilization and the sustainable development of future global society.
Assistant Principal Ms. Cai Lei of the International Division of Beijing 101 Middle School highlighted that climate change is a universal challenge, with each country playing a distinct role in global climate governance. She hoped that the young representatives would value this opportunity, internalize the urgency of climate change, and collaboratively address the challenges it presents. She noted that Beijing 101 Middle School has co-hosted two MCCCOP events, sparking interest among secondary and even primary school students.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Professor Liu Jianguo, Deputy Dean of Tsinghua University Xiuzhong College, Ms. Shou Huantao from the National Center for Climate Change Strategy and International Cooperation and representatives from supporting organizations.
The Model United Nations Climate Change Conference (MCCCOP) adheres to the agenda of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), striving to authentically replicate the negotiation process of the climate convention through plenary meetings, working group sessions, and bilateral consultations. Participants applied their expertise in climate change and international relations to negotiate on key issues such as the Work programme on just transition pathways (JTWP) and Matters relating to the Standing Committee on Finance (SCF). They kept focusing the latest developments in international climate negotiations, learned about the international governance mechanisms, and refined their English expression, communication, and negotiation skills. Conference organizers also honed their coordination and organizational skills through pre-conference training, negotiation hosting, and promotional activities.
To honor the active participation and exceptional performance of the delegates, the chair committee selected the following awards:
From the main venue:
- Best Delegate: Shu Xin
- Distinguished Delegates: Zheng Guohua, Wang Qiheng, Yu Houzhi
- Best Style Awards: Tian Yingyu, Zhou Qianyu
- Honorable Mentions: Wang Jialun, Xi Zhicheng
- Best Position Paper Awards: Russian Federation team, South Africa team, Papua New Guinea team
From the sub-venues:
- Best Delegate: Chen Yuxuan
- Distinguished Delegates: Shao Yuqing, Cen Jialin
- Honorable Mentions: Xing Chenyuan
- Best Position Paper Awards: Egypt team, Papua New Guinea team
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Throughout the event, students also organized a variety of enriching and entertaining side events, including glacier salons, and climate-themed board games. The groups crafted engaging activities such as environmental knowledge quizzes and Climate Change Monopoly, enhancing delegates' understanding of different groups' climate positions. Unique features like "Water Dropping and Ice Melting" and "Changes in Carbon Dioxide Concentration" underscored the urgency of climate change. The European Union, The Umbrella Group, and Alliance of Small Island States were awarded the Best Exhibition Award for side events through audience voting.
The conference also featured a glacier salon aimed at raising awareness among young people about the importance of glacier conservation. Mr. Du from Polar Future presented a lecture titled "Climate Action in the Cryosphere - 'We Cannot Negotiate with the Melting Point of Ice'," sharing insights into international climate actions related to glaciers. Moreover, the Mountain Association showcased a compelling documentary on glacier research, vividly illustrating the severity of glacier melting and awakening a sense of urgency and environmental awareness.
UNESCO commits to work with and work by youth. This activity was mainly organized by a group of young pioneers with global perspective and social responsibility. The main organizer of the Branch venue, Ms Lu Zhixing also a student from Beijing 101, she said “Hosting the MCOP9 branch-venue profoundly impacted me, immersing me in the dedication of youth in addressing climate change. Every aspect of this conference was memorable - from our high school team's meticulous preparations to the delegates' engaging speeches, and the innovative ideas showcased in the exhibition. This reinforced my conviction that in tackling climate change, the responsibility and energy of youth are truly indispensable”.
Ms Shu Xin, the best delegate from the main venue of MCCCOP 9 expressed his feeling after the event: “I was thoroughly impressed with the MCCCOP Bureau’s strong academic credentials during MCCCOP 9, which provided the delegates with a high-quality and authentic simulation experience. Moreover, the event’s organizational services were impeccable, making for an excellent overall participation experience”
Delegate for French also a student from Tsinghua University, Hu Yunche expressed his view about this event “During the days as a delegate, I could feel that MCCCOP9 was well-organized and highly academic. Being able to discuss international cutting-edge climate financing and fair transition issues with partners who closely follow climate change issues during the conference is a rare opportunity for me to enhance my understanding of climate negotiations and a very unforgettable experience”.
The event was sponsored by UNESCO-China Youth Development Foundation-Mercedes-Benz Star Fund in Trust, Lao Niu Foundation, China Vegan Society, the Good Food Fund, and CYCAN. It was also co-sponsored by the Institute of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at Tsinghua University, the Center for Global Competence Development at Tsinghua University, Plastic Response, Bottle loop, Wow KIDS, Xinsushi Co. Ltd, and One box game Co. Ltd.
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91麻豆国产精品自拍 always been committed to inspiring youth to play a significant role in global climate change governance and to exert their positive influence. With the strong support of the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund, UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and Tsinghua University have launched a series of activities to accelerate youth climate change action. These activities aim to motivate young people to actively participate in the mitigation and adaptation of climate change. By carefully designing and implementing climate change education projects targeted at young people, and promoting interdisciplinary climate knowledge exchange and scientific cooperation, these activities encourage young people to propose innovative solutions to address the challenges of climate change. In addition, the project also promotes the concept of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature through the protection of natural heritage and the development of scientific research and nature education activities within nature reserves.
Model Climate Change Conference of Parties (MCCCOP) activity provides a platform to simulate international climate change negotiations, thereby cultivating a global perspective, leadership, and communication skills among young people. It also enhances their understanding of climate change issues, stimulates innovative thinking and action, and fosters a sense of responsibility in global citizens for sustainable development and environmental protection in the future. There were more than 1600 young students engages in MCCCOP 8 and MCCCOP 9 which were held at Tsinghua University and Beijing 101 Middle School in 2023 and 2024 and over 800 participates attended in person.
With the convening of the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, this project will continue to cooperate with young partners to carry out a series of activities, advocating for education to play a key role in global climate action discussions.
