Applications for UBC's virtual delegation at COP31 will open on June 8, 2026 and close on July 8, 2026 at 23:59pm Pacific Time. Learn more about the application process and eligibility.  

COP31 takes place in Antalya, Türkiye from November 9-20, 2026. UBC has observer status for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP), which means that UBC receives an allocation of observer badges for representatives to witness the official negotiation space.  

While the university expects to receive primarily virtual observer badges for COP31, a limited number of in-person badges will be offered to top applicants. Virtual delegates witness official negotiations without the restriction of in-person seat limits. They have access to the official UNFCCC COP platform, which includes exclusive global networking spaces and hybrid side events.   

Following a recommendation from the Climate Emergency Task Force report to empower a culture of climate advocacy, there have been open and transparent selection processes for the observer delegation since COP26. These competitions have been open to all full-time UBC students, staff, and faculty. A committee selects delegates from applications based on the number of observer badges available.  

Learn more about the experiences of past UBC COP delegates through the following resources: 

Eligibility 

Students, faculty and staff who are studying and/or working full-time at UBC for the duration of winter term (2026/27) can apply. Visiting Scholars, Adjunct Professors and Sessional Lecturers are ineligible.     

Up to ten virtual observer badges will be distributed to applicants. Virtual delegates should ensure that they have capacity and availability to participate in COP31 virtually, and are responsible for securing accommodations from supervisors or course instructors (as applicable).   

A limited number of in-person badges may be available. Depending on final badge allocations granted by the UNFCCC, top applicants may be offered an opportunity to attend COP31 in Antalya. Delegates are responsible for their own travel and must demonstrate that they can access sufficient funds.  

Reviewers will use a decision-making rubric to assess each entry, following these core questions:  

  • Context. Does the application show a detailed understanding of climate change and the COP proceedings? Does the application show an understanding of the importance of justice, equity, diversity, decolonization and inclusion, and achievements in advancing them?   
     
  • Motivation and commitment. Does the application convey a commitment to actively be witness to the COP proceedings? Does the application demonstrate the applicant’s lived and/or formal experience? Does the application show alignment between attending COP and current work or study goals at UBC?  
     
  • Engagement. Is there a plan in the application to share learnings with others in the UBC community? Will these learnings reach a large amount of people and/or group(s) that are typically underrepresented in COP negotiations?  
     

Apply  

Applications will open on June 8, 2026. Check back for your chance to receive one of UBC’s virtual badges to witness COP31, observe global negotiations, and be in a key space of global climate action.     

Questions? Email ubc.atCOP@ubc.ca for more info.