As we gear up for COP in My City Nepal 2024, I am thrilled to announce my role as the facilitator of the Mock UNFCCC Conference, where passionate young climate advocates will step into the shoes of global negotiators. This youth-driven event, powered by CliMates Nepal, will bring together 50 vibrant minds from across the country to simulate the real-world climate negotiations of the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP). Over the course of three days—from October 4th to 6th, 2024, in Chitwan, Nepal—we will work together to develop strategies aimed at keeping global temperature rise well below 2°C, reflecting our commitment to climate action.
As the Capacity Building Expert for the Gandaki Basin Climate Resilient Project, I have spent years working with communities on climate resilience, policy, and environmental conservation. I am particularly excited to facilitate this event, as it will showcase the talent and potential of Nepalese youth in contributing to global climate policy.
Our simulation will utilize the En-ROADS climate simulator, a powerful tool developed by Climate Interactive, the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative, and Ventana Systems. This cutting-edge, user-friendly simulator allows us to explore the impact of dozens of climate policies—ranging from carbon pricing and electrification of transport, to agricultural improvements—on critical factors such as energy prices, temperature rise, air quality, and sea level rise. The ability to test real-time scenarios and analyze the consequences of different policy choices is crucial for understanding the complexity of international negotiations.
The use of En-ROADS in the simulation will enable our participants to see firsthand how sustainable energy transitions, industrial changes, and land use reforms can bring us closer to achieving the goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C–2°C. This will be a transformative learning experience, not just for the participants but also for me as I guide them through the process of negotiating, analyzing, and deciding on climate policies that could shape our planet’s future.
Moreover, I look forward to witnessing how the Nepalese youth will interact with the global policy landscape. COP in My City Nepal is not just a local event—it is an opportunity for our young leaders to understand their critical role in global climate governance. By simulating the COP, participants will gain the skills needed to influence climate policies at home, while also learning to collaborate on a global scale.
In conclusion, I feel privileged to be part of this initiative that aligns perfectly with CliMates Nepal’s mission of empowering the next generation of climate leaders. I am confident that this event will not only enhance the negotiation skills of our participants but also foster a deep understanding of climate diplomacy, policy processes, and the collective efforts required to tackle the climate crisis.
To all the participants: I can’t wait to see the solutions you bring to the table as we negotiate our way toward a more sustainable future!
Let’s work together to make this Mock UNFCCC Conference a powerful example of youth-led climate action. See you in Chitwan!
Warm regards,
Sunil Sapkota
Capacity Building Expert
Gandaki Basin Climate Resilient Project
Facilitator, COP in My City Nepal 2024