Pupils from BGS were among around 300 students from 20 countries across the world who took part in an online Model United Nations (MUN) conference. The conference, called Good COP, Bad COP MUN Climate Change conference, took place on Friday 20 January 2023 and debated issues around climate change, in the style of the recent COP 27 climate summit.
The Bristol Grammar School students were debating and negotiating with students from China, Australia, Ireland, Zambia and the Netherlands, as well as the United Kingdom. Resolutions proposed included a resolution to phase out single-use plastics, and another on payment of compensation for loss and damage due to climate change.
Engage with China, an educational charity in the UK, organized the event, and participants heard from Caroline Wilson, UK ambassador to China, who said in a video speech for the conference: "The world needs climate leaders like you to lead the change … you have an opportunity to represent another country and see these issues through their eyes. The insights you gain will help you find solutions and to build global awareness and diplomatic skills.
"Have fun, build consensus, and please show the real-life climate negotiators of all sides how it's done," she said.
For the BGS Sixth Form students who took part, the event was an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of global issues, learn more about the climate crisis and possible solutions and to practice their diplomatic skills. Thank you to Engage with China and hosts the Grange School for organising such an interesting and enjoyable event.
