Abu Dhabi, 17 March 2023 (TDI): During the Road to the COP28 launch event, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of COP28, announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is committed to supporting the next generation of climate leaders.
As part of this commitment, the UAE will be sponsoring 100 young delegates to attend the upcoming climate conference.
During his speech at #RoadToCOP28, COP28 President-Designate #DrSultanAlJaber announced the International Youth Climate Delegate Program, in partnership with YOUNGO, which will empower young people from around the world to fully participate in the COP process. pic.twitter.com/BA5vgbep30
— COP28 UAE (@COP28_UAE) March 16, 2023
The United Arab Emirates is spearheading an initiative to ensure youth involvement in the United Nations’ climate-based summit slated for November 2023.
This programme will select young leaders from least-developed countries, small island developing states, indigenous peoples, and other minority groups worldwide.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of COP28, expressed his enthusiasm for the International Youth Climate Delegate Programme for COP28, which will focus on training, resources, and advocacy opportunities for all participants on behalf of their respective countries and communities.
The COP28 Youth Climate Champion team, in partnership with Youngo, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change’s youth wing, aims to place youth perspectives at the heart of global policymaking and inspire future leaders. These young leaders will share their views on climate change and climate action.
Dr Al Jaber emphasizes the importance of engaging with the youth, stating, “Everywhere I go, I make a point of meeting young people, and I’m encouraged by what I hear time and again.”
The day-long event at Expo City Dubai aimed to build momentum, featuring a dialogue between Shamma Al Mazrui, the Minister of Community Development, COP28 Youth Climate Champion, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-level Champion, Mariam Al Mheiri, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and Shreya KC, a Nepalese Youngo representative.
The UN’s official youth arm outlined the challenge of reducing emissions, accompanied by debates and workshops focusing on the issue of climate change.
