Developing the next generation of climate leaders

Two UNSW Engineering students strengthened their climate diplomacy and policy skills through ACAP-funded participation in the COP31 Simulation Programme in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2026. Stella Kim and Lakshay Vivek, members of the Student Energy UNSW student group, joined 147 students in an intensive programme hosted by the British University in Egypt.

Participants simulated international climate negotiations, developed research-based policy recommendations and worked towards a youth-led declaration. Both students took on leadership roles. Vivek served as Chief Negotiator for the Umbrella Group, while Kim was President of Negotiations and Head of Delegation for Australia.

Their preparations included research into green steel production, the Paris Agreement, and gaps between the Agreement’s provisions and the implementation of national climate commitments. The programme also involved discussions with government ministers and academics, contributing to policy reports on just transition and climate finance.

“The experience showed me how challenging it is to build consensus across different national interests and perspectives. It reinforced the importance of climate education, interdisciplinary collaboration and empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to contribute to meaningful climate action,” said Stella Kim.

ACAP’s funding enabled the students to extend their learning beyond engineering, gaining first-hand experience of the policy, diplomacy and collaboration needed to address climate change. Their participation reflect’s ACAP’s commitment to capacity building, international networks and knowledge sharing.

(l-r) UNSW Engineering students Lakshay Vivek and Stella Kim flew to Egypt to participate in simulated international climate negotiations to develop skills in research-based policy recommendations, interdisciplinary collaboration and negotiating in international settings.

The students strengthened their climate diplomacy and policy skills through ACAP-funded participation in the COP31 Simulation Programme in Cairo, Egypt, in September 2026. Stella Kim and Lakshay Vivek joined 147 students in an intensive programme hosted by the British University in Egypt.