The first youth-led event, “Road to COP28,” was launched under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the Chairman of the Higher Committee for COP28 preparations, at Expo City Dubai. This event provides a significant opportunity for the youth of the country to gather and work with the wider community to raise awareness and mobilize an all-of-society effort towards COP28.
Road to COP28 began with a morning programme of interactive workshops, inspiring, educating, and empowering young students aged 7 to 15 to understand and combat climate change. The activities that will follow include youth circles, debates, workshops, sustainability initiatives, and performances hosted by the Federal Youth Authority and the Arab Youth Centre.
The event’s main evening programme provides a platform for the UAE’s leadership to share its COP28 ambitions alongside youth climate advocates. The Road to COP28 event aligns with COP28’s goal of accelerating global climate action, with all parties and stakeholders across society working together to achieve the commitments made for future generations.
With climate action at the core, the event will revolve around four strategic pillars: participation, action, voice, and education. The event will also see the launch of key initiatives to enhance youth participation in the UN climate process and amplify the efforts of youth-led and youth-focused organizations in the global climate community.
The United Arab Emirates has demonstrated strong commitment and leadership in climate action, with ambitious targets and policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, diversifying energy sources, and transitioning to a sustainable, green economy. The Road to COP28 event provides an excellent opportunity to build on this momentum and engage the youth in the country in shaping the climate agenda and contributing to the global effort to tackle the climate crisis.
The event is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to raise awareness and mobilize action towards COP28, which is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2023. As the first COP to be hosted in the Middle East, COP28 presents a unique opportunity for the region to showcase its leadership and innovation in climate action and contribute to the global effort to address the climate crisis.
By empowering the youth to be active participants in the Road to COP28, the UAE is not only ensuring that the future generations are aware of the environmental challenges that lie ahead but also inspiring them to take action to address them. The event also demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and addressing the environmental challenges facing the region and the world at large.
The Road to COP28 event represents an exciting opportunity for the youth in the UAE to engage in the global climate movement and shape the country’s climate agenda. It also provides a platform for the UAE’s leadership to showcase its ambitions for COP28 and collaborate with youth climate advocates to accelerate global climate action. With a focus on participation, action, voice, and education, the event aims to inspire and empower the youth to become active agents of change and contribute to a sustainable future for all.
