UAE COP28: University climate network launched for youth

Abu Dhabi: Ahead of the upcoming COP28 conference in the UAE, universities across the UAE have joined forces to launch a climate network to support youth-centred goals.

To encourage youth participation in COP28 in the United Arab Emirates, the University Climate Network (UCN), hosted by NYU Abu Dhabi, consists of 12 universities and higher education institutions based in the UAE. These include the American University of Sharjah, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Higher Institute of Technology, Khalifa University, Masdar Institute, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Mohamed bin Zayed University for the Humanities, National Defense Academy, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Sorbonne University Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University and Zayed University.

“UCN will support our goal of creating a more inclusive and engaging environment for young people to become leaders in climate action. Continuing the positive legacy established by previous COPs, UCN will mobilize young people through meaningful dialogue people, and amplify the efforts of the COP28 presidency, including our Youth Climate Advocates. As incubators for the next generation, universities are paramount in nurturing innovation and providing a platform for young people’s voices to express their views and promote what is needed for them It plays a key role in policy-making discussions,” said Majid Al Suwaidi, Director-General and Special Representative to the UAE at COP28.

UCN’s inaugural event, Ramadan Talks, takes place across institutions and will welcome key speakers from industry to discuss climate change-related topics including climate diplomacy, the hydrogen economy, urban modernization in the contemporary Gulf, and why COP28 matters, among other of.

In order to support young people, in March this year, the UAE, the presidency of COP28, launched the “International Youth Climate Representative Programme”. To elevate the voice, perspectives and priorities of the global youth in the multilateral COP process, the international YCDP will select 100 youth representatives mainly from least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS) to participate in climate negotiations and related activities public-private partnership initiatives.

COP28 UAE will be held in Dubai Expo City from 30th November to 12th December 2023. The conference is expected to bring together more than 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.