Youth lead climate discussions at mock COP30 conference
Pupils from across Cheltenham took part in the event
Students from 13 Cheltenham schools stepped into the shoes of international negotiators at a mock COP30 climate conference yesterday.
The event, coinciding with the COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil, was created in an aim to empower youth by mirroring the United Nations climate change negotiations.
The event was hosted by Cheltenham Borough Council taking place in the historic council chambers.
It is organised by the InterClimate Network (ICN) in collaboration with Cheltenham Education Partnership.
Students represented a range of countries, including Australia, Barbados, India, the Marshall Islands, the UK, and the USA, replicating the diversity seen at COP30.
The young people had a chance to take part in debates and discussions while drafting proposals and resolutions to accelerate climate action and adaptation.
Councillor Richard Pineger, cabinet member for the climate emergency was present to answer questions from the students.
Councillor Richard Pineger said: “I’m keen to inspire and engage the youth in democracy and public service.
“I want them to feel how rewarding it can be at whatever level to get involved, and, if they show an aptitude, become the leaders and public servants of tomorrow.
“It’s so important that this hidden world is revealed to the school children of today so that they can feel part of our global community and be empowered to engage with political parties, local and national government, pan-national organisations like the Council of Europe and ultimately global organisations like the United Nations.”