Dearest IFMSA members,
It gives us immense pleasure to send this email to announce the opening of the call for the IFMSA delegation to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – 30th Session of the Conference of Parties, taking place in Belem, Brazil, from the 10th of November – 21st of November 2025.
What is the COP?
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the UN body tasked with overseeing the global response to the challenge of climate change. Comprising 197 member parties, it is the foundational treaty underlying key agreements such as the 2015 Paris Agreement and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The primary objective is stabilising greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at levels that prevent adverse human interference with climate systems, fostering ecosystems’ natural adaptation and facilitating sustainable development.
As per the UNFCCC, the Conference of the Parties (COP) holds the highest authority in decision-making within the Convention. Represented by all member states, the COP conducts reviews of Convention implementation, considers legal instruments, and makes decisions crucial for promoting effective implementation. This includes addressing institutional and administrative aspects. Moreover, the COP serves as a mechanism to assess the impact of parties’ measures in relation to their nationally determined contributions, national communications, and emission inventories.
Why IFMSA in COP30?
The climate crisis is not solely an environmental issue; it profoundly impacts the physical and mental well-being, personal safety, culture, and community life of every human being. The IFMSA, as an organisation that unites medical students for global health and represents 1.5 million of them, believes in the importance of our contribution to climate action. This has been evident in our internal and external efforts on climate change over the years, nationally, regionally and internationally. We had the first-ever health day observed at COP28, where IFMSA advocated for more decisive climate action from a health lens. During COP29, we hosted a side event during the health day. IFMSA’s advocacy at COP29 will continue efforts from previous UNFCCC Conferences, including COP29 (November 2024) and SB62 (June 2025).
Participation as IFMSA Delegates
What will you gain from becoming part of the IFMSA delegation to COP30?
Enhancing your knowledge and skills on Climate Change and its relation to all other policies, not just health
Experiencing the power of advocacy with key stakeholders
Interacting with the delegation and other delegations, including youth delegates, where you can exchange knowledge and join efforts.
By meeting national stakeholders from your own country, you can learn more about national efforts on climate change and how they can be improved.
Representing the voice of 1.5 million medical students towards issues that affect everyone on this planet
Developing your competencies to start your national efforts in your community against climate change
What is expected from IFMSA’s delegates to COP29?
Availability to attend the full duration of the event or availability with a preference to attend Week 1 or Week 2
Contribution to all tasks agreed upon with the rest of the delegation during the event.
Contribute to the preparations in the period before the event
Work effectively towards the final objectives for IFMSA in COP30
Total commitment and respect to tasks, deadlines, and fellow delegation members.
Follow-up tasks after the event
Selection Criteria
Only students, or those who have the student status within six months before the meeting, are eligible to apply
Motivation
Experience in External Affairs
Experience in Climate Change and Health issues
Follow up plans
Contribution plans to the delegation
Availability
How can you apply?
This call is only for in-person (offline) participation.
The official name of the meeting to be used in the CF is “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – 30th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP30)“
Incomplete or late applications, or those not submitted under the “General Member” category, will not be considered. If you are the NMO President, please ensure the form is signed by another official NMO representative.
How to write an Application?
Download the CF (Candidature Form)
Complete the Application Form before 20th August, 23.59 GMT →
This is a space where youth voices matter – and yours could be one of them. I’m truly looking forward to seeing many of you bring your energy, creativity, and drive for impact to this delegation. Let’s show the world what 1.5 million medical students can do when we come together for health.
