PUPILS from eight secondary schools held their own united nations on Friday, as they staged debates based on the agenda of the COP28 climate change conference.
Held at Reading Borough Council’s chamber in Reading Town Centre, the 10th Reading Schools’ Model Climate Conference, coincides with Youth Day at the real thing in Dubai.
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Page, opened the conference and welcomed students.
They then formed teams representing a mix of 16 developed and developing countries attending COP28, including United Arab Emirates, Australia, India, the US and UK, crafting policy positions before staging their own negotiations and devising a resolution.
There was also a Climate Question Time that saw students ask questions to a panel comprising Cllr John Ennis, Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport; Tracy Rawling Church, Co-Chair of Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP); Peter Moore, Head of Climate Strategy at Reading Borough Council, Laura De Moxom, artist, activist and cultural manager at Jelly Reading and members of the Reading Youth Council.
The session ended with pledges of action, including ways to make the most difference in school, and students will be updated on opportunities for future engagement through the RCCP.
The schools that took part were: King’s Academy Prospect; Highdown School; Kendrick School; Maiden Erlegh in Reading; Reading School; Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge; Denefield School and Bulmershe School.
It was hosted by charity InterClimate Network with local consultancy Just Ideas and Reading Council is a founding partner of the RCCP which sponsors the event.
Cllr John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, said: “The Reading Schools’ Climate Conference is a brilliant way for young people to learn more about global warming and the issues behind it.
“The day gave them a deeper understanding of the challenges that face different communities around the world and how important it is for people from all backgrounds to come together and work on solutions.
“The more young people who are engaged and passionate about the environment and global climate crisis, the more hope we all have for the future.”
And Brian Grady, Reading’s Director of Education at Brighter Futures for Children, said: “It is crucial that our younger generations recognise climate change and the threats it poses, and the Reading Schools’ Climate Conference is a great opportunity to learn more.
“These are the young people who will one day be making key decisions for the good of our planet, whether that be shaping the policies we all live by or making informed choices in their personal lives.
“An event like this is an excellent way to share knowledge and spark an interest in protecting our planet and tackling climate change.”
