UAE Launches University Climate Network to Stimulate Youth Participation in COP28

The University Climate Network was established by representatives from 12 UAE universities and higher education institutions with the goal of boosting youth engagement in Cop28 at the end of this year.

The network, which is led by New York University Abu Dhabi, also consists of the American University of Sharjah, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and Khalifa University.

It intends to advance the inclusion principle in the conference work structure in a way that encourages young people's engagement to equip them to lead climate action.

Director General and special representative of Cop28, Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, said in a statement: "The Universities Climate Network will help our goal of building a more open and participatory environment for young people to be leaders in climate action.

"The Universities Climate Network will mobilise youth through meaningful discussion and highlight the efforts of the COP28 Presidency, especially our Youth Climate Champion, in order to carry on the good traditions established at previous COPs.

Universities serve as the "incubators of the next generation," fostering innovation and giving young people a forum to voice their opinions and participate in discussions that are crucial to meeting their needs.

The "Ramadan Talks" series, which consists of a number of seminars where different educational institutions host eminent speakers in the field of climate and related subjects like climate diplomacy, the hydrogen economy, contemporary urban life in Gulf countries, and the significance of Cop28, will be the starting point for the University Climate Network's activities.

About 70,000 people are anticipated to attend Cop28, which will take place from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai. Participants are expected to include heads of state, government representatives, business executives, and specialists on climate change.

Source: thenationalnews.com