Prior to the event, we were sent questions to prepare for with regards to our assigned country, which for TGS, was Chad. After curating a selection of research and information, we were ready for the conference.

Upon arrival, we were introduced to COP, what it stands for, and how long these conferences have been taking place on a global scale. Our first guest speaker, Richard Zaltzman, enlightened us about his profession, why COP is so important, as well as the impact it has made so far. The sustainability entrepreneur inspired us all to make the most of the event, as well as advocate for the necessary action which must take place.

Following the encouraging speech, we were welcomed into the Sackville Theatre, where students from many different schools were divided into six groups, relating to the question everyone was assigned. We found this opportunity to collaborate with new eager students to be incredibly rewarding. Collectively, in our new groups, we were requested to brainstorm a resolution to the problems evident in the countries each school had been representing. This experience attempted to replicate how discussions between different countries would be at an actual COP event and did so rather successfully. Engaging with different perspectives was enlightening, it allowed us to properly consider various opinions and reflect on how difficult coming to an agreed conclusion can be on a larger scale.

Finally, upon discussing our thoughts with multiple other groups, we came up with a plan of action using the research we had collected and everything else we had learnt. To conclude the event, Jasmine Georgovska, from the Jane Goodall Institution shared her experiences and inspired all of us to make a difference. Each and every one of us has a responsibility, and the power to change the world, one step at a time. We left Sevenoaks School motivated, encouraged and determined to make an impact. I found this to be an incredible experience, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity. I hope to organise something similar at TGS, to encourage young minds and inspire our future generation in a similar way. - Samhita 

Participants commented: 

The Model COP was an amazing event to encourage young minds to explore various opportunities and concerns surrounding our own planet. It allowed many people- from different schools- to discuss ideas, opening our minds to new proposals that we hadn’t thought about before. I really enjoyed how it allowed me to widen my knowledge, not only in environmental concerns, but also how they can impact individual people as well as communities as a whole. I particularly benefitted from the external speakers, who gave meaningful speeches surrounding different aspects of the event- as well as how they link to the real world, which really widened my perceptive during the experience. I enjoyed how the event simulated the real life scenario of COP and also how, by engaging with many different students, I was able to hear numerous perspectives of each scenario. 

Evie

This Model COP event was an interesting opportunity for us to engage with people from other schools, and discuss our shared concerns about the environment. We had a lot of guidance on how COP events help to directly address specific issues about the environment from external speakers, and then we were given the chance to solve a specific issue we had chosen along with students from other schools. I discovered a lot about the concerns that can arise when trying to solve environmental problems, as well as gaining a background knowledge on the role that different countries play when globally trying to combat global warming. This seemed to be realistic to real COP events as there will always be complications when trying to solve problems as big as these, so we were able to gain an insight into how countries attempting to work together typically works.

Kiana

‘The Model COP was an exciting opportunity to bring together students from different schools to discuss environmental issues and choices we can make (and how much power we have to change the world) but it was also an inspiring experience. We had the chance to hear from external speakers as well as our own perspectives on the assigned countries to take part in discussions that reflected the atmosphere of real COP meetings. It was an experience that highlighted our influence on the world we live in today.

Nicole

Attending the Model COP was an incredibly beneficial experience for me. I collaborated with students from across the region, each with differing perspectives on the issue, to explore how technology and AI can lead to sustainability without deepening global inequalities. The event mirrored real COP discussions, challenging us to think ethically and practically about solutions that work for countries at different stages of development. I hope our school considers hosting a similar event in the future, as I found it very enriching, helping students think critically about important global issues. 

Ivy

I found the event extremely interesting as it allowed an eclectic mix of ideas, values and viewpoints to come together and be discussed. It highlighted how important these types of discussions are for our future as they empower our generation’s voice to enable change. Our school should definitely organise something similar in the future. 

Ben

I absolutely loved the event; not only was it an amazing experience to discuss with peers with similar interests about important environmental issues happening in the world right now but hearing different viewpoints and ideas about how these issues could be possibly helped. The speakers were also very inspiring and provided a more in-depth idea of how to get more involved in these issues in the future. 

Constanca