International climate negotiations shape much of how the world responds to climate change, from the targets countries set to the support that flows to those who need it most. But following these talks isn’t always easy. The process is full of technical terms, acronyms, and overlapping agendas that can be hard to make sense of, especially for those joining for the first time.
To help bridge that gap, UN CC:Learn and UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) have refreshed the e-course Mastering International Climate Negotiations: All You Need to Know, originally developed with support from the COP28 UAE Youth Climate Champion.
The update comes just as negotiators gather in Bonn, Germany, for the 64th sessions of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64), the mid-year climate meetings running from 8 to 18 June 2026. These sessions are a key step on the road to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, later this year, where much of the technical groundwork laid in Bonn will feed into the political decisions to come. With discussions in Bonn focusing on translating climate commitments into concrete action, there’s no better time to get up to speed on how the process works.
Through a mix of short video-based lessons and interactive materials curated by UNFCCC experts, the course breaks down the main thematic areas of the UNFCCC process and the implementation of the Convention and the Paris Agreement, in a clear and accessible way.
“Young people have repeatedly raised that capacity building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that clearly identified need. COP28, UNFCCC and UNITAR’s collaboration on climate education demonstrates our commitment to empower the younger generation and foster their active involvement in tackling the global climate crisis.” – H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, COP28 Youth Climate Champion
Who is this course for?
The course is primarily designed to build the capacities of delegates, particularly youth negotiators, youth-led and youth-focused organizations in the climate negotiation space, as well as anyone else interested in learning more about the thematic areas in international climate negotiations.
What will you learn?
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the international climate negotiation process and institutional structure under the UNFCCC;
- Discuss the rationale, key provisions and activities within the various thematic areas of negotiation under the UNFCCC;
- Explain expected key issues and activities taking place at COP29;
- Identify how to engage in climate policymaking processes at national and international levels across different thematic areas;
- Navigate the UNFCCC website and find information on specific UNFCCC processes.
Digital Certificate Available
The full course content is free, so anyone can join and learn at their own pace. Learners who wish to have their achievement formally recognized can obtain a digital certificate of completion for a fee, awarded once all videos, interactive lessons, and activities are completed, along with a final quiz scored at 70% or higher within three attempts.
Whether you’re a youth delegate, an advocate, or simply someone who wants to understand how global climate decisions are made, this course offers a solid foundation for engaging with the process.
Ready to start? Enroll in the course!