If I understand your question correctly, you can activate the cabin climatization via the Central Information Display by selecting:
1. "My MINI"
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. If necessary, "Climate functions"
4. "Activate comfort climate"
5. "Activate now"
I believe this method will automatically turn off after a period of time like remote activation does, though. I am not aware of a way to keep it running indefinitely.