2025 marked the 13th edition of UN CC:Learn’s flagship initiative – the Climate Classrooms, in the lead up to the 30th UN Climate Change Conference, COP30. This year’s Classrooms set a record, with 7,300 participants from 181 countries tuning in to 11 Classrooms over the two weeks before COP30.
Designed to provide curious minds following the climate negotiations with an interactive, insightful, and up-to-date learning experience on essential climate topics, experts from 8 organizations across the UN system and global organizations shed light on a myriad of topics related to the COP negotiations. From insights on the Just Transition, carbon markets (Article 6), and unpacking the third iteration of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) to the State of Climate Action, local solutions to climate action, the nexus of human rights and health to climate change and pertinent topics on AI, gender, and climate and the role of philanthropies to climate action.
The 45-minute to 1-hour sessions drew a full class of 500 participants keen to strengthen their knowledge in readiness for COP 30. The experts not only broke down the topical concepts but also provided diverse examples and case studies of theory-in-practice, as well as an informative Q&A session responding to questions from the participants.
Once again, the Climate Classroom was a good and insightful resource for attendees attending and following the climate negotiations. Overall, participants overwhelmingly appreciated this year’s edition: 90% of survey respondents rated it good or very good, and 92% found the classes very useful.
The record-setting participation in the Climate Classrooms shows that the appetite for knowledge about climate change is as high as ever, as participants highlighted.
“My overall experience was excellent. The Climate Classroom was informative, well-organized, and inspiring. It increased my understanding of climate action and sustainability.”
“My overall experience with the Climate Classrooms at COP30 was truly inspiring and intellectually enriching. Each session provided valuable insights into global climate action, sustainability, and innovative solutions. The speakers were engaging, the content was relevant and well-structured, and the discussions encouraged real reflection and learning. It was an exceptional opportunity to expand my understanding of the climate challenges our world faces today.”
“Very insightful, with real-life examples of the class topic, it leaves a strong message in the minds of new generations to continue the journey towards sustainability.”
The Climate Classrooms @ COP30 was possible with thanks from this year’s partners –UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Women, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), World Resources Institute (WRI), United Nations University (UNU), Climate Strategies, World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) – with thanks to the generous contribution of the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency.
Read this year’s report here.