Global Climate Change Leadership 2025: Students take the lead as future policy makers

Students from the University of Southern California participated in the Global Climate Change Leadership program hosted by The Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU). The initiative was led by the University of Southern California and the University of Oregon and brought together 181 students from 17 universities in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants collaborated and debated with each other as part of delegations representing different countries and engaged in climate change negotiation exercises.

Over the course of a month, scholars participated in four online sessions exploring various climate policy scenarios. From April 3, 2025, students explored various climate policy scenarios, negotiating and examining the human and environmental impacts of climate change. The goal of the simulation was to enhance students’ leadership skills, expand their international networks, and provide action-oriented knowledge to address some of today’s most pressing challenges.

“This program is more than an academic exercise; it’s a dynamic, cross-cultural simulation that empowers students to take on the role of global negotiators. By engaging in real-world climate discussions, they not only develop critical skills but also become part of a global network committed to collective action around one of the most important issues of our time,” says Mellissa Withers, PhD, MHS, director of the APRU Global Health Program and professor of clinical population and public health sciences at Keck School of Medicine of USC.

Learn about the experience from our students.

Hanin Almodaweb
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Master of Public Health student

Delegation: Developed Nations

Topics researched: Clean Energy and Infectious Disease

“Through this experience, I learned that climate change plays a major role in the rising threat of infectious diseases, as warmer temperatures and shifting weather patterns allow disease-carrying organisms, like mosquitoes and ticks, to spread to new areas,” says Almodaweb, a first-generation college student. She participated in this program to expand on her knowledge of the intersection of public health and environmental health.

“My advice to others applying for this opportunity is to stay open-minded and fully immerse yourself in the role of your delegation. Take the time to deeply research not just the facts, but also your delegation’s political, social, and environmental viewpoints, as well as its official policies and stance on global issues. Understanding these perspectives allows you to represent your country authentically and contribute meaningfully to discussions. Even if the delegation’s views differ from your own, embracing them helps build critical thinking, diplomacy, and a deeper understanding of global challenges.”

Nancy Bui
USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
Master of Public Administration student

Delegation: USA

Topics researched: Clean energy and Trading and Offsets

“The most compelling aspect of the Global Climate Change Leadership program was the opportunity to deeply engage with other students and leading experts on an international scale. We were all connected through a profound interest in tackling climate issues, improving critical negotiation skills, and learning about the unique, multifaceted interests surrounding global climate agreements,” says Bui, a first-generation college student.

“I focused on two specific climate topics: (1) Clean Energy which assesses the current global resource inventory and explores opportunities to transition reliance from fossil fuels to more sustainable alternatives, and (2) Trading and Offsets which creates an economic market to either incentivize the reduction of carbon pollution, or creates an economic market to promote climate resiliency projects globally. It was an enriching experience to explore policy innovations and climate modeling that tackled climate pollution by balancing the transition to new technologies with global sustainability.”

“Participating in the program helped me better understand the structure and intensity of annual climate negotiations at the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP). Every delegation comes forward with unique interests, urgent needs, and precise calculations behind every decision or long-term commitment. The risks taken within the negotiations impact future international relations and implementation feasibility when the delegates return home and work towards fulfilling their international obligations.”

Dinar Kurji
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Master of Public Health student

Delegation: European Union

Topics researched: Food Insecurity and Migration

“I was drawn to the Global Climate Change Leadership program because I believe that addressing climate change requires collaboration with others,” says Kurji, a first-generation college student. “The program provided a great opportunity to exchange ideas with other students from around the world.”

“Participating in this exercise has given me a much deeper appreciation for the complexity and interconnectedness of climate issues. It also strengthened my leadership and communication skills as we had to negotiate with other nations.”

Hien Phuong Le
Keck School of Medicine of USC
Master of Public Health: Global Health student

Delegation: Developed Nations

Topics researched: Food Insecurity and Infectious Disease

“I was drawn to this Global Climate Change Leadership program to deepen my understanding of the impacts of climate change and collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds. By bringing together varying perspectives, we can develop more innovative and effective climate solutions,” says Le, a first-generation college student.

From this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities and urgency of climate change, looking at its impact on food insecurity and infectious disease. I realized that while many countries are working toward solutions, they must also consider their own national interests, which makes global cooperation challenging. Addressing climate change is a shared responsibility that includes governments, businesses, academic institutions, and individuals. Everything is interconnected and we all have to do our part to save the planet. One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of respecting and preserving the environment. We often focus on what we can extract from nature, but simply leaving it undisturbed can have the greatest positive impact,” says Le.

“This exercise was a unique experience that challenged our thinking, built collaborative skills, and deepened our understanding of global climate issues. The presenters in this program came from diverse fields and offered valuable insights.”

Alexandra Lorente
USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
Bachelor of Arts Political Economy student

Delegation: India

Topics researched: Clean energy and Trading and Offsets

During this exercise, Lorente researched India’s funding and climate contributions. “I gained valuable insights from individuals around the world, each bringing unique cultural and regional perspectives on climate initiatives. It broadened my understanding of how climate challenges and solutions are perceived globally,” says the first-generation college student. “My advice to future participants is to approach the application with curiosity. This opportunity is as much about collaboration and growth!”

Ryan C. Welch
USC Sol Price School of Public Policy
Master of Public Administration student

Delegation: European Union

Topics researched: Migration and Infectious Disease

“I was drawn to the Global Climate Change Leadership program by the desire to be a good steward to the next generation so that they may enjoy the beauty the planet has to offer,” says Welch, a first-generation college student. “I hope to combat and signal to others around me the importance of taking steps toward more sustainable practices.”

“I can recall many climate change initiatives championed by community leaders who remembered a smog-free skyline that afforded them views of the cityscape. Now, those beautiful sights are hindered by the dense smog. This is merely a symptom of climate change on a micro level when it comes to the devastating consequences and harm experienced by those who contribute the least amount of emissions.”

“During this exercise, I researched how Pacific Islanders produce the least amount of pollution and emissions yet suffer the most from its impact through weather conditions that further exacerbate and proliferate the spread of infectious diseases impacting the most vulnerable populations.”

Welch’s advice to future participants: “be open minded to how climate change has impacted the whole planet and to be prepared to face the hard truth about exploitation of resources and the impact had on developing those resources.”