United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), 2025

APPROXIMATE COMMITTEE SIZE: 160 single DELEGATIONS

The United Nations Climate Change Conference is the world’s only yearly, multilateral forum on climate change, attended by nearly all countries that have ratified the UNFCCC, as well as prominent business leaders, scientists, indigenous groups, experts, and journalists. This year’s iteration, COP30, will address new climate change issues on the cutting edge of international discourse. For Topic A, COP30 will consider that, due to the rapidly changing geographical impacts of climate change, more “stateless nations” are emerging than ever before. 40% of the global population lives in close enough proximity to the coast that they face severe humanitarian risks. Territories and nations are “disappearing” due to climate change—such as Tuvalu—and the international community needs to have a response ready. It is equally important to consider the issues of sovereignty and degradation of national identities that arise from stateless nations, as well as the disproportionate effect of the climate crisis on indigenous populations. For Topic B, COP30 will place particular emphasis on addressing these concerns in a way that is cognizant of the asymmetrical responsibilities of global climate finance between developing and developed nations. Though developing nations contribute the least to human-driven climate change, they face the most severe repercussions, fueled by weak institutions and a lack of necessary preparation resources. This committee must debate which members of the international community must bear the onus of climate responsibility, as well as how to delegate sustainability efforts without placing an undue burden on developing nations.

Chairs: Caroline Dupas & Kate Satterfield

TOPICS

Topic A: The Climate-Induced Emergence of the “Stateless Nation”

Topic B: Global Climate Finance and Unequal Responsibilities Among Nations

lEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Analyze the complex intersection of sovereignty, national identity, and culture as it pertains to challenges presented by the ongoing international climate crisis. 

• Understand the role that international finance and development play in responding to the global climate crisis and related policy avenues. 

• Learn and apply actionable solutions by which they can contribute to positive climate development and promote youth mainstreaming in climate policy.

about the chairs