From Inverness to Dumfries: OU in Scotland and sponsors take Mock COP nationwide

The Open University in Scotland will once again bring young people together to debate climate action and global co-operation at this year’s Mock COP30 events; with one taking place in Inverness on 10 November and, for the first time, a second event being held in Dumfries on 20 November.

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.

Inverness: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSEN) Transmission powers local and national engagement

This year’s Inverness Mock COP - held at Highland Council Chambers on 10 November to coincide with COP30 in Belém, Brazil (10 to 21 November 2025) - will bring together around 90 pupils from 12 schools across the Highlands.

The event is organised by The Open University (OU) in Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce Inverness & Central Highlands (DYWICH), and Highland One World Global Learning Centre, with support from Highland Council.

In 2025, the event welcomes a new principal sponsor, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Transmission (SSEN) Transmission, whose support is helping to power the conference and expand its reach.

These future leaders will be instrumental in shaping the energy transition here in the north of Scotland. We are delighted to help play a role in amplifying their voices and their ideas."
Nicky Gadsden, SSEN Transmission

SSEN Transmission will form part of the panel session for pupils during the event, as well as funding a national roll-out of Mock COP school resources, enabling schools across Scotland to host their own local or in-school versions of the debate.

These resources are expected to be available for Highland schools in 2026 with a wider roll out in 2027. The resources will position school pupils as Mock COP ‘hosts’, leading events in their own schools to enable a larger number of young people to take part in mock climate negotiations and to practise key skills for green jobs such as problem solving, collaboration and communication.  

Nicky Gadsden, Early Careers Manager at SSEN Transmission, said: “We’re proud to support this year’s Mock COP in Inverness and help create a platform where young people can engage with the climate challenges facing their communities and the world.

“These future leaders will be instrumental in shaping the energy transition here in the north of Scotland. We’re delighted to help play a role in amplifying their voices and ideas.”

Gemma Burnside, Partnership Manager at the OU in Scotland and lead organiser of Mock COP, added: “We’re thrilled to have SSEN Transmission join us this year. Their support not only helps deliver an inspiring event in Inverness but also extends the reach of Mock COP to classrooms across Scotland.

Dumfries: Mock COP comes to the South of Scotland

Building on the success of the Highland events, the first-ever Dumfries Mock COP will take place on 20 November 2025 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, which is a major milestone for the initiative. Schools from across Dumfries and Galloway 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 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 in the South of Scotland Mock COP. The event will be taking place at The Bridge in Dumfries and is funded by The Crichton Foundation and The Holywood Trust.

7 November 2025