Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) - TRENDS Research and Advisory Centre announced its roadmap to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's Conference of Parties (COP28), hosted by the United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 12 at the Expo City Dubai.
During a media briefing organised by TRENDS, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, the CEO of TRENDS, confirmed that the roadmap aims to follow and support the UAE's efforts to host and organise an "exceptional and historic" edition of COP28, as its outcomes will put humanity on the right track to face the dangers of climate change. Al Ali said that TRENDS places great importance on climate, environment, and sustainability.
Given its commitment to scientifically and objectively addressing global and regional issues, Al Ali noted that TRENDS is developing a plan to support the efforts led by the UAE and the COP28 Presidency through research that covers agenda-related topics.
TRENDS also heavily involves youth in its COP28 initiatives, showcasing its commitment to empowering them in the field of climate change.
Roadmap Elements
Sumaya Al Hadhrami, Head of the COP28 Committee at TRENDS, explained that the roadmap is based on three main elements: empowering youth through programmes and events that focus on capacity building; enhancing global participation through partnerships with international research centres and institutions; and reaching all segments of society through various means, including publications, events, and educational programmes.
The roadmap includes organising several initiatives: a special seminar at Expo City Dubai, titled "The Future of Water: Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperation"; a youth conference at COP28; launching a youth media platform dedicated to climate change issues; the third annual TRENDS conference with the Atlantic Council in Washington D.C. in December; and a discussion panel in Turkey that will focus on a joint report on COP28.
She highlighted additional activities, including organising a roundtable for think tanks in November this year, publishing a report on "Sustainable Security in the Middle East: Climate Change, Challenges, and Prospects", launching a smartphone application that provides information on climate change, and organising climate change-themed workshops and educational programmes.
The think thank roundtable will bring together more than 20 speakers to discuss the complex interaction between political, economic, social, environmental, and biological factors, and the issue of politicising environmental phenomena.
Recommendations, solutions, and action plans will be presented to address human needs while considering the environment. Aisha Al Romaithi, Director of Research at TRENDS, stressed the importance TRENDS places on climate and sustainability topics and highlighted its various climate, sustainability, and environment-related publications. Yazia Al Hosani, a member of the COP28 committee and Director of Media at TRENDS, highlighted the "Green Research Youth" competition, which aims to encourage young people to present innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Abdullah Al Hammadi, a member of the COP28 committee and head of the event organising team, mentioned that the institution organised 12 events focused on sustainability, climate change, and future challenges.
Finally, Rawda Al Marzouqi, Director of Distribution and Exhibitions at TRENDS, who is also in charge of its pavilion at COP28's Green Zone, noted that the pavilion aims to spread awareness about environmental and climate issues through various services and events.
Scientific Publications
TRENDS is expected to showcase research and studies addressing key environmental and climate topics, as well as raise awareness about important issues in the Arab world and globally, pursuant to its framework. Nora Al Habsi, a member of the COP28 committee and a senior researcher in the Scientific Publishing Department at TRENDS, revealed that its most important and latest publications will be launched in conjunction with the COP28 conference, and highlighted the books that will be released at the Sharjah Book Fair.
At COP28, TRENDS will seek to make a constructive contribution to scientific discussions through events, studies, and publications, Al Habsi said, adding that TRENDS' scientific insights aim to help the UAE achieve the desired goals at the conference. These efforts include exploring the Loss and Damage Fund, youth integration issues, water and food security, and health, among others.
Many of the publications will be launched during the Sharjah Book Fair next week. Opinion Surveys Sultan Al Ali, a member of the COP 28 committee and Director of the Global Barometer Department at TRENDS, discussed the institution's public opinion polls on environmental and climate issues. He also touched on the survey that will be conducted in cooperation between TRENDS and the Arab Youth Centre, titled "Arab Youth and Climate Change: Awareness, Perceptions, and Participation". He pointed out global surveys conducted by the Barometer Department on the topic of climate change, including the "International Community Survey on Climate Change" and another survey that explored artificial intelligence, technology, and climate change.
The goal of the surveys was to gauge the level of knowledge about these topics among a diverse sample of researchers. Abdulrahman Al Janibi, a member of the COP28 committee and its Head of Marketing, discussed the TRENDS Podcast, which consists of several episodes that cover various climate and environment topics, and hosts a number of officials, employees, and youth.
The goal of these episodes was to share experiences and information in a unique way, highlight the players behind the scenes and their role in the success of COP28, and engage the public in spreading awareness about COP28.
