This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use for web and social media privacy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Climate connector

UVic at COP 31

Conference panel

Apply to join the UVic Delegation at COP31

Applications for the University of Victoria's official COP31 delegation are now open!

Apply before Monday, August 3, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) for the opportunity to join UVic's COP31 delegation, engage with international climate negotiations, and contribute to conversations shaping climate action worldwide.

COP31 will be held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9–20, 2026. The University of Victoria (UVic) holds observer status with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP). Under this status, UVic is granted an allotment of observer badges that allow representatives to observe the official conference proceedings.

COP31 represents a significant opportunity for Canadian research universities to demonstrate leadership on climate action, connect institutional expertise with global policy processes, and provide experiential learning opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.

Past experiences

Explore the experiences of previous UVic COP delegates:

Eligibility

Given UVic’s strengths in climate science, ocean and ecosystem research, Indigenous-led climate action, and environmental law and policy, interest in observer badges is expected to be high. Priority will be given to applicants whose studies, research, extra-curricular training or professional work relate to climate change or sustainability.

The following members of the UVic community are eligible to apply:

  • Graduate students, enrolled full-time for the 2026 Fall term
  • Research associates and postdoctoral fellows in an active full-time appointment
  • Faculty researchers holding full-time continuing or tenure-track appointment

The following UVic members are ineligible:

  • Visiting scholars, adjunct professors and sessional instructors

Participation streams

UVic expects to receive primarily virtual observer badges, with a limited number of in-person badges available.

Virtual Delegation

Virtual delegates receive access to the UNFCCC COP platform, including hybrid side events and global networking opportunities. Virtual participation reduces geographic and financial barriers and is expected to be the primary badge type available to Canadian observer organizations for COP31.

In-Person Delegation

A limited number of in-person observer badges may be available, subject to UNFCCC badge allocations. Top-ranked applicants may be offered the opportunity to attend in person in Antalya, Türkiye. In-person delegates are responsible for all travel and accommodation costs and must demonstrate access to sufficient funds at the time of selection. Financial support is available for one Coastal Climate Solutions Leaders (CCSL) trainee.

Selection criteria

Reviewers will apply a decision-making rubric to evaluate each submission, guided by the following core questions:

Context and Knowledge: Does the application demonstrate a thorough grasp of climate change and the COP process? Does it reflect an understanding of the significance of justice, equity, diversity, decolonization, and inclusion, along with progress made in advancing them?

Motivation and Experience: Does the application express a genuine commitment to actively observing the COP proceedings? Does it showcase the applicant's professional climate change knowledge and experience and/or lived experience, including any involvement in climate and sustainability initiatives (e.g. ACET, CCSL, CIFAL, IESVic, Sustainability Scholars, Impact Investing Hub)? Does the applicant’s experience demonstrate alignment between attending COP and their current work or study at UVic?

Attendance: Does the applicant demonstrate a clear plan and/or goals for how they will professionally engage at COP as a representative of UVic on the world stage?

Media and/or Community Engagement: Does the application include a plan to share what is learned with others through the media and/or with the UVic community? Will these learnings reach a broad audience and/or groups that are typically underrepresented in COP negotiations?

Equity and Inclusion: Does the application reflect a perspective or background not typically represented in COP delegations? Does the applicant demonstrate commitment to advancing equity in climate spaces?

Successful applicants

Selected delegates are expected to:

  • Actively participate in COP31 proceedings during at least one week of the conference (November 9–20, 2026)
  • Share reflections with the UVic community through at least one of: a written piece (UVic News post, op-ed, or report), a public presentation or panel event, a classroom visit, media interview, or a social media series
  • Participate in a post-COP debrief session hosted by the coordinating office
  • Acknowledge UVic's support in any public communications related to their COP31 participation

How to apply

To apply, submit your application package as a single PDF to climateconnector@uvic.ca by 5:00 p.m. on August 3, 2026.

File naming convention: LastnameFirstname_COP31.pdf

All applicants will be notified of the committee's decision regardless of the outcome.

Application package components

Applicant Information

  1. Personal Information
    1. Complete name (first, middle, last)
    2. Department/faculty
    3. Role (graduate student, post-doctoral research fellow; faculty, research staff and associates)
  2. Supervisor Information and Approval:
    1. Supervisor name and;
    2. Supervisor Signature/approval (for grad students and PDFs only)
  3. Confirmation statement of full-time enrolment or appointment status for Fall 2026
  4. Confirmation statement of availability during COP31 dates (November 9–20, 2026)

Personal Statement (250–500 words)

  • Context: How does your work, research, or study connect to the issues being negotiated at COP31? Please describe your professional climate change knowledge and/or lived experience, including any involvement in climate and sustainability initiatives at UVic.
  • Motivation & Experience: Why do you want to join the UVic delegation at COP31? What professional or lived climate experience do you bring? Describe your understanding of equity and justice in the context of climate change. How does attending COP align with your current goals at UVic?
  • Attendance: If selected to attend COP31 in person, how do you propose to professionally engage at this meeting, as a representative of UVic on the world stage?
  • Engagement Plan: How will you share what you learn at COP31 with the broader UVic community?
  • Media: If you are selected to attend COP31 in person, would you be willing to speak to the media about your experience at this event?
  • Equity and Inclusion: Do you reflect a perspective or background not typically represented in COP delegations? How have you demonstrated commitment to advancing equity in climate spaces?

CV or Résumé

A brief CV or résumé (maximum 2 pages) highlighting relevant academic, research, or community experience.

Questions

Questions? Email climateconnector@uvic.ca for more information.