The United Nations’ annual climate conventions, Conference of the Parties and the Bonn Climate Conference, give you a front-row seat to international climate discussions. Travel abroad or observe virtually to take part in global climate action.
Conferences Background
What Are the Conferences?
At the Conference of the Parties (COP), governments gather to negotiate and advance international climate agreements under the global climate treaty framework. In addition to national delegations, official observers – including academics, advocates and stakeholders from around the world – participate in the conversation.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) also hosts the Bonn Climate Conference each June in Bonn, Germany. This mid-year session is a key event for climate negotiations.
What is UMN’s Role?
The University of Minnesota is an officially recognized observer organization within the United Nations climate process. Through IonE, the university sends small delegations to COP and Bonn each year to engage in policy discussions, connect with global experts and bring research-based insight into the conversation.
What Will You Gain?
Participating in the conferences allows you to:
- Experience international climate governance firsthand
- Bring global insight back to Minnesota communities
- Connect research to ongoing policy conversations
In-Person Observer Delegation
What You’ll Do
- Attend negotiations and related events in the host country
- The COP destination changes yearly – past locations include the United Kingdom, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Brazil
- June’s Bonn Climate Conference is in Bonn, Germany
- Track priority themes such as mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, as well as related topics such as energy transition and climate finance
- Connect with researchers, policymakers and global stakeholders
- Represent UMN within the international climate dialogue
- Share insights with the campus community after the conference
Eligibility for In-Person Travel
- Open to UMN faculty, staff and graduate or professional students from all five campuses
- Undergraduates are eligible for the online experience – learn more about this below
- Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between their research or professional work and international climate policy
- Delegation spots are limited and competitive
- Selected delegates are responsible for travel and lodging
From the Field
Hear from a UMN delegate about what their in-person experience meant for their work.
Listening to these conversations reminded me that sustainable solutions are most effective when they respect equity, cultural heritage and the agency of communities directly managing natural resources. This experience strengthened my commitment to collaborative approaches that bridge local realities with broader climate and sustainability policies.
Online Participation
You don’t have to travel to participate in COP or the Bonn Climate Conference. Whether you’re an undergraduate student or would like to attend virtually, the online experience offers direct access to negotiations and global dialogue.
What You’ll Do
- Access official virtual sessions
- Follow negotiations and thematic events
- Observe how global climate policy decisions are shaped
- Engage in international dialogue spaces
- Connect what you learn back to coursework, research or leadership programs
- Document and share observations and reflections on climate negotiations with the UMN community
Eligibility
- Open to undergraduate and graduate students
- Also available to faculty and staff not selected for in-person participation
- No travel required
- Application through IonE
Though I couldn’t be there in person, my digital observer badge for COP 30 opened a window to the urgent, global conversation regarding the planet’s future.
Shurva Rahman, COP 30 Virtual Participant
Current Conference Details
For school year 2026–27
Application Process and Costs
Applying for COP and the Bonn Climate Conference is straightforward. Whether you’re applying for the in-person or virtual experience, you use the same application. Through this short online form, you’ll be asked to:
- Describe how your research, teaching or professional work could have an impact
- Explain how your work relates to climate priorities identified by developing countries (if applicable)
After the application deadline, submissions are reviewed by the IonE team of staff and advisors. If you’re selected, you’ll receive additional information about next steps via email.
Apply early and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions before submitting your application.
Between application cycles? Notify Me When Applications Open
COP is a competitive program. Because delegation spots are limited, IonE seeks a diverse group of participants. We look to send a delegation representing different campuses, colleges, disciplines and roles across the University of Minnesota.
Applicants should demonstrate a clear connection between their research, teaching or professional work and international climate policy or the broader work of the United Nations climate process.
IonE also prioritizes applicants who:
- Have personal and/or professional connections to developing countries
- Work to address climate research needs and priorities with the greatest impact
These priorities reflect ongoing inequities in global climate negotiations and the urgent impacts of climate change worldwide.
If selected for the in-person delegation, you are responsible for your travel and lodging expenses.
Travel & Lodging Considerations
Because COP is hosted in a different country each year, costs vary depending on the location and timing. More information and estimated costs will be provided each year.
General Planning Guidance
- Compare round-trip and one-way ticket combinations
- Consider shared lodging and/or hostels to reduce costs
- Expect higher prices during peak conference dates
- As soon as you have your badge, check with program organizers and then book your accommodations
While costs vary, participants should anticipate that flights and lodging for one week may range widely depending on destination, flexibility and accommodation choices.
There is no registration fee to attend COP as an official observer.
Graduate Student Funding
In some years, limited travel scholarship funding may be available for graduate students through IonE. When offered:
- Students typically pay travel expenses upfront
- Scholarship funds are distributed after confirmation of participation
- Additional funding may be available through departments, graduate student organizations or university grant programs
Graduate students are encouraged to browse campus-based professional development and conference funding opportunities as part of their planning process.
If selected, IonE staff will provide additional guidance related to logistics, funding and preparation.
Delegate Reflections
Go behind the scenes of global climate negotiations through the voices of UMN delegates who attended COP in person and virtually.
University of Minnesota Delegates Reflect on Lessons from COP30
In recent weeks, over a dozen University of Minnesota-affiliated participants took part in COP30. Held this year in Belém, Brazil, the Conference of the Parties is an annual convening of global leaders, delegates and observers to set goals and track progress on climate action.
Questions
For questions about the program, your application, visas or any other concerns, please email Beth Mercer-Taylor.