More than 160 Scottish pupils recently became world leaders, lobbyists and international media for the day to experience first-hand what it’s like to negotiate a global climate agreement.

The British Council’s COP31 Climate Negotiation Simulation, delivered in partnership with Learning for Sustainability Scotland, the University of Edinburgh and Stirling Council, recently took place at Edinburgh’s Central Hall and Stirling’s Albert Halls with students stepping into the roles of politicians, journalists and advocates to debate the future of the planet. The pupils, aged 16-18, came from 21 secondary schools across the City of Edinburgh, West Lothian, Stirling, and Clackmannanshire.

The Simulation looked ahead to the upcoming 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.

What were participants asked to do?

Featuring cutting-edge simulation software, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the event recreated the pressures, compromises and diplomacy that shape real-world climate negotiations. 

To give a sense of the organisation, inequalities and tough diplomacy involved in the COP process, the pupils were tasked with creating a global strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent global temperatures from rising above 1.5 degrees Celsius, echoing the climate goal of the 2015 Paris Agreement. Additionally, they were asked to ensure that those nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change were provided for financially.

“Our identity, culture, and heritage cannot simply be packed into a suitcase and taken with us as the seas rise to claim our home. We have the right to live where our people have lived for centuries.”

Student delegate; representing the people of Tuvalu.

This is the fourth year that these award-winning events have taken place, and they continue to empower young people to engage meaningfully with climate issues, develop critical thinking and negotiation skills, and contribute to Scotland’s ongoing commitment to weaving learning for sustainability across all forms of education.

Supporting national and international policy priorities

Students were greeted by a welcome message from Gillian Martin, MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs, and the Edinburgh event was also attended by Hakan Kıvanç, Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in Edinburgh, prior to his country hosting COP31 next month.

Claire de Braekleer, Director, British Council Scotland, underlined the importance of this year’s event:

“With this summer’s heatwave making it one of the hottest on record, it is more important than ever that young people are included in conversations about how we tackle the climate crisis. The Climate Negotiation Simulations give pupils a unique opportunity to step into the world of international climate diplomacy, experiencing first-hand the complexities and challenges of events such as COP31.

“Through the Simulation event, participants develop vital skills in communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, while gaining a deeper understanding of the global impacts of climate change. Most importantly, it empowers them to contribute their ideas and perspectives as part of Scotland’s collective effort to build a more sustainable future.”

“The challenges of climate change and biodiversity are the greatest of the age and they affect us all. Scotland is already experiencing more extreme weather, and communities world-wide face floods, drought, food insecurity, and ecosystem loss that threaten lives and livelihoods. These issues don’t respect national borders – no country can solve them on their own, and that’s why international co-operation is so important.

The Climate Negotiation Simulation event helps young people gain a deeper understanding of how international negotiations work and how difficult it can be to reach an agreement on issues that affect billions of people. When people work together on a shared purpose, meaningful change can happen and young people have got a unique and a vital role to play in shaping their future.

I thank the British Council, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the University of Edinburgh for bringing together so many young people from across Scotland for this inspiring event.”

Gillian Martin MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Rural Affairs

The Climate Negotiation Simulation forms part of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which supports schools in the UK and around the world to bring international perspectives into the classroom. The programme also enables young people to build the skills, knowledge and attitudes they need to respond to shared challenges, such as climate change. 

Takeaway packs from this year’s event also included a new focus on ‘green careers’; highlighting the wide range of jobs that can help to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future for people and planet alike – from marine ecologist to sustainable fashion buyer.

Supporting and enabling the voices of young people

Student Cyrus Salman, who took on the role of the United Nations Secretary-General during the Edinburgh event, summed up the experience:

“(The Simulation) experience has been great – it takes people out of their comfort zone, helps people make new friends and bond over a topic that’s really important. I’ll be taking away a lot of skills from what I’ve learnt, such as (considering) different perspectives, decision-making and thinking about what people really want.

“I want to study geography and go on to do something around climate change in the future, as it’s something I’m really passionate about, and I definitely think more students should have opportunities to take part in events like this.”

Keep the climate conversation going…

Through its Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people worldwide to find creative and practical solutions to the climate crisis, working with educators, students, artists, researchers, civil society, and policymakers in the lead-up to and beyond COP31.  

We are also delighted to invite you to join us for ‘Learning for Sustainable Futures: Live at COP31. This FREE two-week course will follow the COP31 conference from 9-20 November 2026as it happens in Antalya, Türkiye. It offers the opportunity to examine what COP31 is, its importance, and reflect on how you can personally take action towards sustainable futures.

Throughout the course, we will share insights into the issues being discussed, as well as responses to the conference themes from children and young people, community groups, and ministerial bodies – both nationally and internationally.