Apply to Submit UBC's Proposal for an Official Side Event

Every year, tens of thousands of observers attend the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP). While official delegations from countries negotiate international agreements, thousands of representatives from universities, not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous communities and organizations, and other groups attend COP to witness the negotiations.   

Alongside meetings to reach agreements at COP there are hundreds of knowledge exchange events programmed by the UNFCCC (official side events); programmed by other UN agencies, countries, NGOs, and other organizations (events at Pavilions); and events and rallies held by civil society, which do not require a badge. COP delegates from UBC have actively participated in many events at COP as speakers and as organizers.   

For COP31, UBC staff, faculty and students are invited to apply for a chance to submit UBC’s proposal to the UNFCCC for an official side event. UBC can submit one UN submission as lead or as a partner organization. The top applicant will be invited to submit their side event proposal to the UNFCCC portal in July and will receive one in-person badge to attend COP31 as a UBC delegate.  

Observer badges (virtual and limited in-person badges) are also available through UBC’s annual delegate competition. Results of the side event competition will be communicated to all applicants before the regular delegate competition opens in June. 
 

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. Multiple UBC partners can submit a side event application; however, only one in-person badge to attend COP31 as a UBC delegate will be issued to the selected proposal.  

Applications will be screened for eligibility and assessed according to the stated UNFCCC side event criteria by a team of UBC reviewers, including:  

• Relevance and Alignment with UNFCCC. Does the proposal align with UNFCCC priorities and/or anticipated negotiation outcomes?  
   
• Collaboration and Partnerships. Does the proposal reference strong, international partnerships and/or have a feasible plan to establish necessary partnerships?  
   
• Potential Impact. Does the proposal advance UBC’s profile as a leading research institution on climate and sustainability? Does the proposal describe, in sufficient detail, the potential impact of the research or project featured in the event?  

Note: UBC will select the top applicant who will be invited to submit a side event proposal to the UNFCCC for their consideration. UNFCCC is responsible for final decisions on official programming. 
 

Apply  

Applications will open on March 2, 2026. Check back for your chance to submit UBC’s proposal to the UNFCCC for an official side event.    

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