COP Simulation Conference

On April 25-26, 2025, the Non-Aligned Movement Youth Organization (NAMYO), in partnership with the Eurasian Regional Center of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF-ERC), successfully hosted a COP Simulation Conference in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, dedicated to the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. The two-day event provided a dynamic platform for youth to engage in climate diplomacy, enhance their understanding of COP29 objectives, and develop skills in negotiation, decision-making, public speaking, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The program began with an orientation and networking session, where participants learned about COP procedures and the structure of international climate negotiations. The official opening ceremony took place at Karabakh University, featuring remarks by Dr. Shahin Bayramov, Rector of Karabakh University; Mr. Yalchin Rafiyev, COP29 Lead Negotiator and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan; Mr. Matin Karimli, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Science and Education; Ms. Leyla Hasanova, COP29 Presidency Youth Climate Champion and Chairperson of NAMYO; and Mr. Rafig Ismayilov, Director General of ICYF-ERC. The ceremony also included a guest lecture by Amb. Elshad Iskandarov, Senior Adviser to the COP29 Content Team, on the intersection of peace and climate for sustainable development.

During the opening, NAMYO and ICYF-ERC signed the Khankendi Memorandum of Understanding, establishing a framework for strengthened future cooperation in youth-led climate initiatives.

The simulation program engaged participants in alliance-based discussions and working groups on key topics, including Children, Youth, Peace & Climate Security (ACE), Climate Finance, and Adaptation and Mitigation. Delegates assumed diverse roles such as COP Presidency members, UNFCCC Executive Secretaries, country representatives, non-state actors, and media personnel, simulating authentic COP negotiation processes. The second day included a town hall meeting, media briefing, and parallel working sessions, culminating in the unanimous adoption of the Khankendi Youth Pact.

The event concluded with a closing ceremony, featuring a video message from H.E. Mr. Mukhtar Babayev, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on climate issues, and remarks by Mr. Rafig Ismayilov and Ms. Leyla Hasanova, emphasizing the significance of youth engagement in global climate action. Certificates of participation were awarded to all delegates, marking the successful completion of an educational and capacity-building initiative designed to empower youth as active contributors to sustainable development and international climate policy.