Emirates News Agency – University Climate Network launched to support UAE’s COP28 youth-focused goals

ABU DHABI, 14th April, 2023 (WAM) — The University Climate Network (UCN), a network of UAE universities and higher education institutions hosted by NYU Abu Dhabi, has launched to encourage youth participation in the country to take the lead until COP28 , the United Nations climate conference will be held in Dubai later this year.

UCN is made up of 12 UAE institutions, including 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 Humanities University, National Defense Academy, New York University Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University and Zayed University.

ambassador. Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE Director General and Special Representative at COP28, commented: “The University Climate Network will support our aim to create a more inclusive and participatory environment for young people to become leaders in climate action.

“Continuing the positive legacy established at previous COPs, the University Climate Network will mobilize young people through meaningful dialogue and build on the efforts of the COP28 chairs, including Sultan bin Ahmed Al Dr. Jaber, our Youth Climate Champion, Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, COP28 Youth Climate Champion and Razan Al Mubarak, COP28 UAE UN Climate Change High Level Champion.

“As incubators for the next generation, universities play a key role in fostering innovation and providing a platform for young voices to express their views and facilitate policy-making discussions that matter most to their needs.”

UCN’s inaugural event, Ramadan Talks, is taking place across multiple institutions and will welcome key industry speakers to discuss climate change related topics including climate diplomacy, the hydrogen economy, urban modernization in the contemporary Gulf and the importance of COP28, among others.

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. Registration closes April 7, 2023.

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.