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Shaping Tomorrow:

The Role of Climate Negotiations in a Changing World

Stephen Minas COP Masterclass 2025
MScSUS students attending the conference on climate change of professor Minas. / Photo: Ilija Sazdovski

Last week, Dr Stephen Minas, Chair of the UN Climate Technology Centre & Network Advisory Board, gave an online conference about the evolving landscape of global climate negotiations to the Master of Science in Sustainability Management students.

As the world grapples with the escalating consequences of climate change, COP 30 emerges as a defining milestone. Scheduled for November 2025, this global summit offers a crucial chance for nations to reaffirm their pledges and translate them into tangible climate actions. Amid rising global temperatures and increasingly extreme weather events, COP 30 represents a vital forum for strengthening international collaboration and advancing urgent, effective solutions.

The discussions and resolutions from COP 30 are expected to steer the global environmental agenda—driving emission reductions, protecting biodiversity, and accelerating the shift toward cleaner energy systems. Building upon the groundwork laid by COP 29, the conference will not only emphasise policy progress but also highlight the importance of education and awareness as key components of climate action.

We had the privilege of welcoming Dr Stephen Minas, who recently engaged with our Master of Science in Sustainability Management students, to share his in-depth knowledge of international climate policy. Dr Minas is one of the leading voices in climate diplomacy, serving as Chair of the UN Climate Technology Centre & Network Advisory Board. His long-standing involvement in representing both Greece and the European Union at past COP meetings provides him with rare insight into the evolving landscape of global climate negotiations.

During his lecture, Dr Minas explored the central themes and objectives that will shape COP 30 in Belém. He offered a detailed overview of the conference’s organisational process and examined how recent geopolitical tensions—such as those in Ukraine and Palestine—might affect climate finance priorities and negotiation dynamics across different regions.

His presentation provided students with a richer understanding of the intricate nature of climate diplomacy and the diverse factors influencing global policy decisions. Hosting Dr Minas was an exceptional opportunity that significantly enhanced our students’ grasp of contemporary climate governance and international cooperation.

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