BU students have engaged in an international COP30 Simulation, with one student chosen to represent BU at the COP30 Summit in Brazil.
BU’s Morgan Greenleigh and Anne Ngarachu represented BU at the COP30 Simulation at the British University of Egypt, designed to bring students from around the world together to engage in climate debate and simulate what COP30 is like to participate in. Morgan and Anne applied to attend the Simulation, showing their passion and involvement in climate action activities, and were chosen to attend following a selection process.
The two BU representatives joined fellow students from around the world in being assigned a country or NGO to represent in a simulated activity. During the four-day simulation they negotiated statements, engaged in debates, and suggested projects on behalf of their assignment, Morgan representing the UK and Anne representing regional banks. Tasks looked at their negotiating skills, and ability to identify projects with positive interventions on the climate.
Anne, who graduates from her MSc Green Economy course in November 2025, was chosen from among the delegates for her performance in the Simulation and will now go on to represent BU at COP30 in Brazil in November, observing a Summit session in action, before having the chance to present, alongside her team, one of the solutions proposed during the simulation, sharing her thoughts on climate and debt.
From left to right: Anne Ngarachu and Professor Alison HonourSpeaking about her experience to-date, Anne said, “What really enriched the negotiations was the incredible variety of global perspectives. For example, hearing from someone from Ukraine, understanding how conflict intersects with climate vulnerability and development, added dimensions I'd never considered before. These diverse perspectives from students representing every corner of the world made the experience so much richer.
“I want to believe that far from just being academic exercises, these were genuine collaborations and networks with future leaders who want to bridge divides in climate action rather than deepening them.”
COP – Conference of Parties – is the yearly United National Climate Change Conference, which brings world leaders together to assess progress in dealing with climate change. The Simulation was designed to immerse students in an environment where they could experience what it is like to negotiate across international borders for climate action.
Anne will now go to Belem in Brazil to experience the Summit and engage with policy makers at the highest level. Anne continued, “Honestly, it still feels surreal and unbelievable. The level of exposure and knowledge I've gained these past few months, and throughout my two years at BU, has been incredible. Bournemouth University has been exceptionally supportive throughout this journey. From providing resources and encouraging my participation. They've nurtured my passion for the environment and sustainable development at every turn. I genuinely couldn't have chosen a better university.
“I'm excited to take everything I've learned to Brazil and continue building on the sustainability platform I developed during my MSc thesis at BU. For me, this isn't just about understanding the problems but also building the tools to solve them.”
For more information about BU’s climate commitments, visit: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/sustainability
To learn more about BU’s Green Economy courses, visit: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/study/courses/msc-green-economy
