Proud news emerges again from the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM). Joshua Gabrielle Capili (ASEAN Master in Sustainability 2022) had the opportunity to participate in the COP28 Simulation 2023. COP28 is a conference organized by The British University in Egypt in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Zayed University. Furthermore, the conference is held under the auspices of COP27, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the British Embassy of Egypt, and HE Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for Egypt.
The conference began with the COP28 Simulation Capacity Building program from September 30 to October 11, 2023, conducted online. The program consisted of classes, discussions, case studies, and simulations for 160 young delegates from various countries. Over two weeks, participants were trained in five key areas: international climate action, research, interpersonal and soft skills, climate action practices, and the role of youth in climate action. Through this program, participants gained a deeper understanding of climate change’s scientific, legal, political, and economic aspects.
Participants researched climate-related topics and developed early position papers according to the specified theme using the information and knowledge acquired from the Capacity Building program. The event continued with a conference held at The British University in Egypt, Egypt, from November 7 to 11, 2023. During the conference, participants, alongside the High-level Climate Champion from the United Nations, discussed solutions related to transitioning from the COP27 agenda to COP28. Additionally, discussions focused on promoting climate action on a global scale. In conclusion to the series of events, a plenary session simulation of COP28 was conducted. Through the plenary session, participants presented their findings to the panelists.
In this conference, Joshua played the role of the Head of Delegation for Vanuatu, a country that is a member of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS). He proposed solutions and declarations to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) mitigate climate change. Specifically, the offered solutions focused on maximizing loss and damage funds for vulnerable communities. “One of the challenges in the conference was that I had to represent a country I was less familiar with (Vanuatu). No ASEAN country was on the list, so I had to be delegated to another country,” he shared.
Throughout the event, Joshua received guidance from the Coordinator of the ASEAN Masters in Sustainability Management program, Rocky Adiguna, SE., M.Sc., Ph.D. Additionally, Linda Yanti Sulistiawati S.H., M.Sc., Ph.D., as the Professor of Climate Change Law and Greenhouse Gas Reduction, also mentored Joshua. In closing, he offered advice to FEB UGM students interested in participating in similar conferences. “Increase involvement in discussions related to climate change while expanding knowledge of diplomatic, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills for climate action. Also, take online certifications, consult with experts, and start reading journal articles to begin your journey. And, be confident,” Joshua concluded.
Reportage: Rizal Farizi
Important link: COP28 Simulation – Capacity Building Programme
