The British Council's "Schools Connect Climate Negotiation Simulation" project in Edinburgh has been recognised with an Outstanding Flagship Project Award from the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability. The event delivery partnership between the British Council's Schools Connect programme, Learning for Sustainability Scotland (RCE Scotland) and the University of Edinburgh has been recognised for its innovative approach to climate education and youth empowerment.
Established in 2012, the RCE Awards celebrate excellence in Education for Sustainable Development within the Global RCE Network, recognising projects that make outstanding contributions to addressing local sustainable development challenges. The award specifically honours initiatives that successfully bridge local and global sustainability perspectives while engaging communities in transformative learning.
Through its Schools Connect programme, the British Council holds debate simulation events each year across the UK in the lead-up to the annual United Nations Conference of Parties (COP), these events are designed to help young people gather to think about and discuss the challenges that key leaders face on this global issue.
For two years, the debate event in Edinburgh has enabled young people to experience first-hand the complexities of international climate negotiations. It has brought together over 150 pupils aged 16-18 from schools across Scotland and replicates the dynamics of real UN climate negotiations. Pupils take on roles ranging from UN Secretaries-General to world leaders and climate activists, working with cutting-edge climate modelling software developed by MIT to simulate the real-world impact of their decisions.
"We are delighted to have supported Learning for Sustainability Scotland in delivering this global experience," said Harish Lokhun, British Council Scotland Head of Education. "This award recognises the power of building connections and creating partnerships to develop innovative approaches to climate education that prepare young people to tackle global challenges."
"We are thrilled that the Negotiation Simulation event has been awarded Outstanding Flagship Project status in the 2024 Global RCE Awards," added Betsy King of Learning for Sustainability Scotland (RCE Scotland). "We nominated the event for consideration based on the exceptional feedback received from both pupils and educators. The success of this event, delivered in partnership with British Council Scotland and the University of Edinburgh, demonstrates how collaborative approaches can create powerful learning experiences around sustainability and climate action."
The project's success in 2023 led to expansion this year, with participation growing to include 13 schools. As part of the event, schools also receive Climate Action Packs to support ongoing pupil-led climate initiatives. The packs have been helping young people to weave learning for sustainability across their wider school communities by providing some practical understanding and actionable solutions.
Through the project, Scottish schools have been able to connect with global initiatives that combine educational expertise, international connections, and climate science. In addition, educators and pupils can access the free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) co-created by University of Edinburgh, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and British Council; including 'Learning for a Sustainable Future' and 'Live at COP29', further helping to create a growing network of young people and educators engaged in tackling social, economic, and ecological challenges.
Learn more about the event and watch what happened this year at COP with Learning for Sustainability Scotland