Seren Network and Cymru Global MockCOP, March 2026
Our Project Officer Sioned Cox writes about our fantastic event last month.
On the 2nd of March 2026, fifty Sixth Form students from across South Wales came together to take part in a model version of a United Nation’s Climate Change Conference (COP). Organised by Cardiff Curriculum Commitment team with support from Cardiff Council’s Democratic Services and Cymru Global, the bilingual Mock COP took place in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Cardiff Bay. The exceptional students were part of the Seren Academy – a network connecting more able and talented students in Wales with specialist support and opportunities.
Students enthusiastically took on the role of national delegates or journalists, engaging in negotiations and voting, or reporting on the emerging developments throughout the day. Acting as UN Secretary General for the event, Cymru Global’s Head of Global Learning, Amber Demetrius chaired the sessions, which culminated in reaching the ‘2026 Cardiff Agreement’. It included support for climate education programmes, the introduction of taxes aimed at lowering emissions, and financial support to protect Low Income Countries from the effects of climate change.
Opportunities like these are so important. If we want young people to learn how to problem solve and mediate different points of view, we have to give them practice and great role models. What I love about days like these is the learning that takes place from the beginning of the day to the end. It really allows people a chance to be part of a process of transformation.
Students enjoyed the opportunity to work with other young people from different schools, and to practise research, critical thinking, debate and public speaking.
Being in County Hall felt really professional and I was quite nervous to start with. But it’s so exciting to work with different countries, to adapt and change things. I was so invested in our agreement by the end!
In addition, students were supported by Ian Hall and Gary Jones from Cardiff University, who were on hand to provide expert knowledge on climate change and help students to develop their understanding of this global issue. Hayley Morgan, CEO Cymru Global describes:
“It’s so wonderful to see work like this that brings people together and allows them to find ways forward peacefully and creatively.”
Reflecting on the day, Jeffrey Cole, of the Cardiff Commitment Curriculum Team said:
I am so grateful to you all and sincerely hope that we can make this an annual fixture for the young people of Cardiff.
It was truly a collaborative event and everyone “pulled out all of the stops” to achieve very positive outcomes yesterday. I am sure the young people enjoyed it as much as we did (Gary Jones, Cardiff County Hall)
Written by Sioned Marquez Cox