University of Europe for Applied Sciences Students Champion Sustainability on the Global Stage at COP 30 Simulation Conference in Cairo

Dubai, UAE – 8 October 2025: The University of Europe for Applied Sciences Dubai (UE Dubai) proudly announces that three of its students, from the Digital Business and Data Science and Business Management programmes, have participated in the prestigious COP 30 Simulation Conference held at The British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo, from 4th to 8th October 2025. This marks a significant milestone in the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering global leadership, sustainability, and innovative solutions to pressing climate challenges.

The students’ participation follows their successful completion of the COP 30 Simulation Fellowship Programme, during which they developed and submitted a comprehensive policy paper on climate action. The initiative reflects UE Dubai’s focus on equipping future leaders with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to address global environmental issues.

An International Learning Platform for Climate Leadership

The COP 30 Simulation Conference, organized by BUE in collaboration with COPPE/UFRJ – Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and UNDP Egypt, is a multi-phase educational programme designed to immerse students in climate policy and international diplomacy. The programme brings together young leaders from around the world, providing intensive training in research, negotiation, and strategic policy development. Participants gain hands-on experience in the dynamics of global climate negotiations, mirroring the formal COP 30 process scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.

UE Dubai Students at the Forefront of Climate Action

Aleesha Mae Fortin, Luise Oltmanns, and Saif Ismail were selected from a competitive pool of 150 participants to represent UE Dubai at the COP 30 Simulation Conference. Throughout the programme, they engaged in robust debates, developed evidence-based policy solutions, and addressed critical climate challenges such as water scarcity, droughts, and floods, which pose risks to human security, food systems, and ecosystems worldwide. Their policy proposals emphasized sustainable and actionable responses to climate impacts, guided by mentorship from leading experts in climate policy and negotiation.

At the conference, participants assumed roles including country delegates, chief negotiators, and non-state actors, simulating a real-world UN COP setting. Through working groups, plenary sessions, and drafting committees, they negotiated collaboratively to develop research-based resolutions aligned with the COP 30 agenda. Key focus areas included advancing climate action, presenting updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and reviewing climate finance pledges to ensure global warming remains within the 1.5°C target. The conference concluded with the adoption of the COP 30 Simulation Declaration, which will be submitted at the actual COP 30 in Brazil. Notably, approximately 20 outstanding students from the simulation programme will also be selected to attend the official COP 30, bridging youth engagement with real-world climate policymaking.

University Leadership Highlights Transformative Learning

Commenting on the achievement, Prof. Dr. Eman AbuKhousa, Professor of Information Technology & Communication at UE Dubai, said:
"We are immensely proud of our students for their dedication, resilience, and exceptional performance throughout this journey. The COP 30 Simulation provides an authentic platform for students to apply critical thinking, diplomacy, and innovative problem-solving in real-world contexts. At UE Dubai, we are committed to creating transformative learning experiences that empower students not only as future professionals but as global changemakers capable of driving meaningful impact."

Reflecting on their experience, the participating students shared:
"Participating in the COP 30 Simulation at The British University in Cairo has been an inspiring and transformative experience. Engaging with students from over 90 universities worldwide challenged us to think critically, collaborate across cultures, and negotiate effectively on complex climate issues. The programme demanded rigorous research, teamwork, and long hours, but it enhanced our negotiation and communication skills, broadened our global perspective, and deepened our understanding of international climate policy. Above all, it reinforced our commitment to contributing to meaningful climate action and building a sustainable future."

Commitment to Sustainability and Global Impact

UE Dubai builds on 25 years of academic excellence established by the University of Europe for Applied Sciences in Germany. The university’s Dubai campus focuses on nurturing forward-thinking, industry-aligned programmes that equip students with practical skills and experiential learning opportunities relevant to today’s global job market. UE Dubai also actively champions sustainability by empowering students to become innovators and leaders in environmental action through initiatives such as the Green Genius Challenge and active participation in international programmes like the COP 30 Simulation Conference.