Pupils from St Catherine’s College Armagh took centre stage in Belfast recently as they led over 80 young people from across Northern Ireland in a full-day COP30 Climate Simulation Negotiation hosted by the British Council.
Held at Belfast Castle and run in parallel with COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the event brought together 16–18-year-olds from 28 schools to experience the intense pressures and diplomacy behind global climate negotiations.
Using simulation software developed by MIT, students took on the roles of national delegates, corporate lobbyists and international media – with the responsibility of keeping global warming below 1.5°C.
At the heart of the negotiations were St Catherine’s pupils Blaithin Mohan and Niamh Cullen, who assumed one of the most high-profile roles in the entire simulation: the United Nations Secretariat. Tasked with overseeing discussions between all participating countries, they guided the day’s complex debates on emissions reduction, climate finance and global adaptation measures.
Reflecting on the experience, Blaithin said: “We took on the role of the United Nations Secretary General, overseeing all the discussions between different countries.
“It’s been fascinating to see how every nation approaches the same issue from completely different angles — each with its own priorities, challenges, and perspectives. Throughout the day, we had to balance ambition with realism, and that was a real eye-opener.
“Unfortunately, by the end of the session, we didn’t quite reach our climate target — we were about 0.4 degrees away from where we needed to be. Some countries were hesitant to make deeper cuts or stronger commitments, often because of their economic concerns or reliance on certain industries.
“It really highlighted how difficult international cooperation can be when everyone is working from different starting points. Even so, it was an incredible learning experience about how complex and delicate real-world negotiations can be.”
Attending the event was Environment Minister Andrew Muir. He said: “It is inspiring to see young people from schools across Northern Ireland taking an active role in discussing how we tackle climate change. Events like this demonstrate how engaged and well informed so many of our young people are on the climate and environment.
“It also shows the value of local groups including schools, industry and NGOs working together to help shape a brighter future for everyone. In the face of escalating climate impacts, urgent action is essential. Climate action is an investment in our future that will improve lives through provision of good green jobs, better air quality and clean renewable energy”.
The event in Belfast was facilitated by Dr Peter Doran, Senior Lecturer in Law, from Queen’s University Belfast, who has over 25 years of experience in UN negotiations on sustainable development.
Dr Doran said: “Young people are the source of inspired and courageous leadership on the climate issue, here and around the world. Their sense that justice is the only thing that can unlock a sustainable world is always on display at our climate negotiations simulations here in Belfast.
“In the words of the young Ugandan leader, Vanessa Nakate, ‘We are facing the same storm, but we are definitely in different boats’.”
This Belfast event follows successful simulations held in Edinburgh, London and Brazil, with a final debate scheduled in Wales on 18 November. COP30 in Belém, Brazil runs from Monday, 10 November to Friday, 21 November 2025.
Colm McGivern, British Council Northern Ireland Director, added: “This UN debate simulation puts young people in Northern Ireland at the centre of an immersive learning experience. These pupils are gaining crucial insight into how international climate negotiations really work — and developing the diplomatic, analytical, and collaborative skills that will be vital to our shared future.
“We believe that young people are the key to creating practical solutions to climate challenges. The event shows how empathy, dialogue, and global cooperation can help bring about real change.”
The simulation forms part of the British Council’s Schools Connect programme, which links schools in the UK with others around the world.
Through this programme, the British Council helps educators bring international perspectives into the classroom and supports young people to build the knowledge, skills, and global outlook needed to respond to shared challenges such as climate change.
Through its Climate Connection programme, the British Council is also supporting people worldwide to find creative and practical solutions to the climate crisis — working with educators, students, artists, researchers, civil society, and policymakers in the lead-up to and beyond COP30.
This event continues the British Council’s work, building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching.
To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit: https://nireland.britishcouncil.org/ or follow on X Facebook or Instagram.
