Youth unite UAE stakeholders for climate summit – News

The inaugural COP28 chair-led event titled “Road to COP28” will be held at Dubai Expo City on March 15

The ‘Cop28 UAE’ logo is displayed on a globe during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 17, 2023.Photo: Reuters

A youth-led event aims to unify stakeholders into COP28, which is being hosted by the UAE later this year. The inaugural COP28 chair-led event, titled “Road to COP28”, will take place on 15 March at Dubai Expo City.

The event was an important moment for the country’s youth to come together and work with the wider community to raise awareness and mobilize society-wide efforts for COP28. The Road to COP28 event is in line with the summit’s goal of accelerating global climate action. It will launch key initiatives to strengthen youth engagement in the UN climate process and scale up efforts organized by the global climate community.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chairman of the High Committee in charge of preparations for the 28th session of COP28, highlighted how the UAE accepts A vision of a climate-centric future that puts people first.

“As host of COP28, the UAE is dedicating significant resources at all levels of government to lead a transparent, innovative and inclusive climate process, bringing together key stakeholders and communities – especially youth – to drive solutions-oriented COP28 agenda,” he said.

The event will highlight priorities and principles in support of COP28 through a variety of event programs, attracting over 3,000 participants including students, youth in national service, youth climate advocates, people of determination, seniors and more. The event will be attended by COP28 leaders, senior government officials and ambassadors to the UAE.

The one-day event on March 15 includes three programs. The morning program of interactive workshops will inspire, educate and empower young students aged 7-15 to understand and respond to climate change.

The afternoon program will include youth circles, debates, workshops, sustainability initiatives and performances. The evening program will serve as a platform for the UAE leadership to share their ambitions for COP28 with youth climate advocates.

Centered on climate action, the event will explore four strategic pillars: engagement, action, voice and education.

Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chair-designate of COP28, highlighted how today’s youth can become tomorrow’s climate leaders. “Critical to the success of COP28, which will be held later this year, we are eager to ensure their views, visions and skills are included to drive climate action. Led by Shamma Al Mazrui, Youth Climate Advocate at COP28, this The youth-led event is an important milestone for the inclusion and continued engagement of youth around the world. The COP28 Chairman strongly believes in hosting a COP for all, which requires the active participation of all societies, all governments and whole nations as we prepare to welcome the world to the UAE Participate in COP28.”

Climate Change and Environment Minister Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Mheiri said climate and environmental action is an “institutional and social commitment” of the UAE. She emphasized that hosting COP28 is an opportunity for everyone to participate in raising environmental awareness and climate action, and strengthening strategic partnerships to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Advocate, said that building youth capacity, mainstreaming them into the COP process, and raising climate change awareness can enhance the critical role of youth in global climate action and create A new narrative approach that brings about a shift in expectations.

She called on young people to become changemakers by adopting a culture of flexibility, innovative solutions and seizing opportunities. She added that the UAE’s establishment of the Youth Climate Advocate role builds a sustainable legacy for COP28 and ensures the continuity of youth leadership in future environmentally friendly practices and international climate events.

Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Dubai Expo Authority, highlights that Expo 2020 Dubai is one of the most sustainable in history

“We welcome the world as a community, embracing all who answer our call, because we know that by connecting minds, we can create a better future for people and the planet. Now, that tradition continues at Expo City Dubai – a A clean green city, an education center and the host of COP28, with a mission to advance human progress and a determination to continuously promote sustainable development.

“The power of collaboration and the potential of younger generations to drive climate action has yet to be fully realized, and Expo Dubai is proud to play a convening role, championing opportunities for youth learning and engagement, and as a company with a strong commitment to sustainable development, supporting the delivery of truly inclusive and a solutions-led COP28.”

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth, reiterated that youth have the potential and ability to create lasting impact. Their success has fostered socio-economic development and introduced eco-friendly businesses, while playing a key role in providing solutions to key global challenges such as climate change.

Razan Al Mubarak, Senior UN Advocate for Climate Change at COP28 and President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), said: “Climate change is a global problem that requires global and local solutions. It calls on all sectors of society to actively Engagement, including women, youth, indigenous peoples, civil society, business and more, to drive meaningful and innovative climate action to protect the planet and people. Inclusion will be a core principle at COP28 and we welcome diverse voices and perspectives. I Looking forward to being part of the event, engaging with young people in the UAE and learning more about our youth’s priorities on the road to COP28.”