SIM'Université 2025: Occitanie students immerse themselves in a political simulation on sustainable water management

[Press release] - Published on November 17, 2025 in Espace presse, Environmental issues and social responsibility

On November 28 and 29, 2025, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Montpellier will host the ^9th edition of SIM'Université, a life-size role-playing game organized by Ateliers Ludosophiques and supported by the University of Montpellier. This event will bring together over a hundred students from all over the Occitanie region to debate and negotiate around a major issue: "What sustainable water management in Europe in a context of climate disruption?"

For two days, participants will take on the role of MEPs, ministers, lobbyists and journalists, simulating the workings of European institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Debates will focus on the economic, social, geostrategic and environmental aspects of water management, offering a global, interdisciplinary approach to this key issue.

Inspired by the Model United Nations (MUN), the SIM'Université program is free and open to all Occitanie students. It aims to develop skills in communication, negotiation, analysis and problem-solving, while fostering critical thinking and understanding of international issues. A half-day preparatory session, organized on November 28, will enable participants to acquire the necessary knowledge about European institutions and the roles they will take on, in an approach that is both fun and participative.

Founded in 2016, Ateliers Ludosophiques designs innovative educational devices combining games and learning: escape games, philosophical games, role-playing games... Their aim is to use games as a tool for understanding today's world and imagining tomorrow's.

The 2025 edition of SIM'Université is supported by the Occitanie Region, the University of Montpellier, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3 and the University of Toulouse. The opening ceremony will take place on November 29 at 9:30 a.m. at the Faculty of Economics, followed by a day of debates and negotiations until 5:30 p.m., punctuated by interventions and constructive exchanges.