From 21 to 22 June 2025, the Model Climate Change Conference of the Parties – Greater Bay Area (MCOP-GBA 2025) convened 116 youth delegates from over 30 secondary schools across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao at the High School Affiliated to SUSTech in Shenzhen. Jointly hosted by the UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia and Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Tsinghua University, the event provided an immersive platform for youth to simulate global climate negotiations, with three key agenda items including Just Transition and Adaptation Goals.

Backed by the China Youth Development Foundation Mercedes-Benz Star Fund and the Shenzhen Project Care Foundation ? Youth Leadership Fund, the initiative showcased how multilateral diplomacy skills can be cultivated early. Delegates took on roles of national representatives, drafted position papers, negotiated bloc policies, and produced over 10,000 words in formal resolutions.

The conference also included engaging side events such as the Climate Voice Wall and Climate-Action Puzzle Hunt, which tested delegates' teamwork, adaptability, and policy knowledge through interactive challenges designed around real-world scenarios.

MCOP-GBA 2025 marked the latest in a series of youth-led climate diplomacy initiatives facilitated by UNESCO and Tsinghua University. Since its inception, the programme has reached over 800 students from 20 countries. By anchoring climate action in youth voices and real negotiation processes, the initiative demonstrates UNESCO’s firm commitment to inclusive, transformative education for sustainable development.