Mock COP comes to South Scotland

A MOCK climate change conference will take place in Dumfries later this month, with nine of the region's secondary schools set to take part. The Open University (OU) in Scotland is bringing young people together to debate climate action and global cooperation at Mock COP30 events. Now in its fifth year, the Mock COP gives senior secondary pupils the chance to step into the shoes of world leaders, simulating the decision-making processes of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP). The events are designed to help young people understand complex environmental issues, develop key skills, and amplify their voices in shaping a sustainable future for Scotland and beyond. Dumfries Mock COP will take place on November 20 in partnership with Dumfries and Galloway Council and Developing the Young Workforce Dumfries and Galloway (DYWDG). The Dumfries event marks the expansion of Mock COP beyond the Highlands – a major milestone for the initiative. Schools from across the region will take part, representing countries and organisations in lively negotiations aimed at reaching a fair and sustainable global deal. Graeme Galloway, programme director at DYWDG, said: “We’re delighted that the Mock COP is coming to Dumfries for the first time. "It’s an exciting opportunity for our young people to explore real-world climate diplomacy, strengthen their understanding of global issues, and see how local action connects to international change.” Gemma Burnside, partnership manager at The OU in Scotland and lead organiser of Mock COP, added: “The expansion to Dumfries shows how much appetite there is among schools and communities to get involved in meaningful discussions about climate. "By giving young people from different parts of Scotland a platform to share ideas and debate solutions, we’re helping build the next generation of sustainability leaders.” Nine schools will be taking part, including Annan, Castle Douglas, Dalbeattie, Dumfries High, Kirkcudbright, Lockerbie, Moffat, North West Campus and Sanquhar. The event will be taking place at The Bridge in Dumfries and is being funded by The Crichton Foundation and The Holywood Trust. Andrew Walls, convenor of The Crichton Foundation, said: “We are proud to support the first Dumfries Mock COP and to see young people from across the region engaging so passionately with the challenges of climate change." Since launching as a virtual event in 2021 to coincide with COP26, the OU in Scotland’s Mock COP initiative has grown year on year – from just four schools in its first edition, to dozens of schools across the country in 2025 and an imminent national roll-out.