UE Dubai Students Shine at COP30 Simulation in Cairo, Showcasing Global Leadership in Climate Policy

Dubai, UAE – October 8, 2025: In a proud moment for the UAE’s academic community, three students from the University of Europe for Applied Sciences Dubai (UE Dubai) have taken centre stage at the COP30 Simulation Conference held at The British University in Egypt, Cairo from October 4–8, 2025. The event serves as a prelude to the official UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled in Belém, Brazil, later this year.

Representing the university’s Digital Business and Data Science and Business Management programmes, Aleesha Mae Fortin, Luise Oltmanns, and Saif Ismail were selected among 150 international participants to simulate real-world climate negotiations — a recognition of their academic excellence, leadership, and deep commitment to sustainability.

Organised jointly by The British University in Egypt (BUE), COPPE/UFRJ–Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, and UNDP Egypt, the COP30 Simulation Conference brings together future leaders from more than 90 universities across the world. The programme focuses on capacity building, policy drafting, and negotiation training aimed at empowering youth to influence global climate strategies.

After completing an intensive two-week COP30 Simulation Fellowship Programme, the UE Dubai students submitted a research-backed policy paper addressing water scarcity, droughts, and floods — some of the most urgent challenges impacting human security, food systems, and ecosystems worldwide. Guided by global experts, they crafted innovative policy recommendations to mitigate these effects and strengthen global resilience.

At the Cairo conference, participants assumed roles as country delegates, chief negotiators, and non-state actors, simulating authentic UN COP procedures. Through intense working groups, plenary sessions, and committee debates, students formulated resolutions aligned with the official COP30 agenda — advancing national climate commitments, enhancing global finance pledges, and accelerating efforts to keep temperature rise below 1.5°C.

The event culminated in the formal adoption of the COP30 Simulation Declaration, a document set to be presented at the official COP30 Summit in Brazil. From the simulation cohort, around 20 exceptional participants will be selected to attend the actual conference, bridging youth engagement with high-level climate diplomacy.

Prof. Dr. Eman AbuKhousa, Professor of Information Technology & Communication at UE Dubai, praised the students’ remarkable performance, stating:

“The COP30 Simulation mirrors real-world climate negotiations, giving our students a platform to apply their knowledge, diplomacy, and critical thinking. At UE Dubai, we are deeply committed to developing future leaders who will drive sustainability and global transformation.”

Reflecting on their experience, the students described the simulation as “an inspiring and exceptional journey” that challenged them to collaborate across cultures, negotiate complex issues, and develop actionable climate solutions.

“This experience has sharpened our negotiation and communication skills, expanded our global perspective, and deepened our understanding of climate policy. It has reinforced our commitment to creating meaningful change,” they said.

Building on over 25 years of academic excellence from its parent institution in Germany, UE Dubai continues to champion sustainability-driven education. The university promotes innovation and environmental awareness through initiatives like the Green Genius Challenge and partnerships with international sustainability programmes, equipping students to lead meaningful change in a rapidly evolving world.