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

The Open University (OU) in Scotland will once again bring young people together to debate climate action and global cooperation at this year’s Mock COP30 events — with one taking place in Inverness on 10th 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.

This year’s Inverness Mock COP — held at Highland Council Chambers on 10 November to coincide with COP30 in Belém, Brazil (10–21 November 2025) — will bring together around 90 pupils from 12 schools across the Highlands. The event is organised by The Open University 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, SSEN Transmission, whose support is helping to power the conference and expand its reach. 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.

SSEN Transmission’s involvement in Mock COP builds on its broader early careers strategy, which includes partnerships with educational initiatives. The company is also working to deliver its multi-billion-pound Pathway to 2030 programme – a major investment in electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland, designed to unlock renewable energy potential and deliver the electricity grid upgrades needed to meet national clean energy targets.

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, and 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. Over the years, we’ve seen students grow in confidence, change their career paths, and discover their potential as changemakers. The energy, empathy and ideas they bring are exactly what Scotland, and the planet, needs.”

Councillor Kate Willis, Chair of Highland Council’s Climate Change Committee commented:

“We are delighted to once again host Mock COP in Inverness. It’s an invaluable opportunity for young people to debate the urgent environmental challenges we all face and to see that their voices matter. Their passion and understanding give us hope for the future.”

Catriona Willis, Coordinator at Highland One World, said:

“By taking part, pupils are not only developing an understanding of climate diplomacy and global climate debates, but also developing key Global Citizenship skills such as critical thinking, empathy and collaboration. It’s vital that young people have hope and view themselves as active participants in shaping a more just and sustainable future, and Mock COP helps make that possible.”

Additional funders of the event include Foundation Scotland/Great Glen Energy Co-operative Fund, Highlands and Islands Climate Hub.

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 20th 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 — 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 – Annan Academy, Castle Douglas High School, Dalbeattie High School, Dumfries High School, Kirkcudbright Academy, Lockerbie Academy, Moffat Academy, North West Community Campus, Sanquhar Academy. The event will be taking place at The Bridge in Dumfries and is funded by The Crichton Foundation and The
Holywood Trust. Andrew Walls, Convenor of The Crichton Foundation, said:

“We are proud to support the first Dumfries Mock COP and to see young people from across the region engaging so passionately with the challenges of climate change. The Crichton Foundation has always championed opportunities that inspire learning and leadership, and this event perfectly reflects our commitment to helping the next generation shape a more sustainable future for the South of Scotland and beyond.”

Since launching as a virtual event in 2021 to coincide with COP26, the OU in Scotland’s Mock COP initiative has grown year on year — from just four schools in its first edition, to dozens of schools across the country in 2025 and an imminent national roll-out.

Gemma Burnside concluded: “With demand for green jobs and skills increasing rapidly, Mock COP provides invaluable opportunities for our young people to explore climate issues, share their voice, and gain skills that employers are looking for in the future workforce.”