Today's Edition
ISIDORA CIRIC (DUBAI) - As COP28 commenced in the UAE, a notable shift in climate discourse is unfolding, one that finally brings to the forefront issues that directly affect the most vulnerable populations: children, women, and those in disaster-prone regions.
George Laryea-Adjei, Director of the UNICEF Programme Group, commended the UAE, the host of this pivotal conference, for its organisational prowess and visionary leadership in steering the climate conversation towards these critical areas.
UAE’s Leadership: A Paradigm Shift in Climate Focus
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, the UNICEF Director praised the UAE’s role in organising COP28, calling it exemplary. He noted that this COP edition showcased a well-structured approach and an acute awareness of the broader implications of climate change.
Laryea-Adjei appreciated that this year marks a significant transition from a predominant focus on mitigation to addressing the nuances of adaptation, health, and humanitarian aid. “The climate agenda has focused heavily in the past on mitigation. This is the first time that we are seeing a big shift towards some of the things that matter to people, to women, to children,” he said.
The Director highlighted the importance UNICEF places on COP28’s thematic programme that explores key themes like Health Day, and Relief, Recovery, and Peace Day, noting that it facilitates a more inclusive and responsive climate agenda, aligning with the urgent needs of diverse global communities.
“So the leadership, the UAE, as shown in this way, is very strong. And I think it’s going to continue for a while. And that gives us hope to prioritise other issues, other key groups that we are keen to bring on board,” Laryea-Adjei added.
Prioritising Children in Climate Discussions UNICEF’s aspirations for COP28 resonate with the new direction taken by the UAE, the UNICEF Director explained. Emphasising the vulnerability of children, who comprise a staggering 2.2 billion of the global population, UNICEF advocates for a climate discourse that recognises the unique risks faced by the young.
He said that children, due to their physiology and dependency, are disproportionately affected by environmental stressors, such as extreme weather events and resource scarcity. Unfortunately, the political voice of children is often unheard, as they do not possess voting rights, meaning that they fully depend on adults to protect them. “So they [children] are at high-risk and climate discussion is going to move more into adaptation. It’s going to move more into issues that affect the wellbeing of people,” Laryea-Adjei said.
Half of the world’s child population is deemed vulnerable, making it imperative for future COP conferences to prioritise their needs, the UNICEF official noted. Issues like health, education, access to clean water, and the impact of climate change on girls’ education are of paramount importance.
Building a Greener Generation
As part of its efforts to achieve the objectives of the Green Education Partnership Roadmap in preparation for COP28, the Ministry of Education has partnered with UNICEF to launch the “Greening Capacities Initiative”. The initiative aims to advance climate education and empower the children and youth to help them adapt and prepare for the repercussions of climate change.
“I applaud the UAE for prioritising youth,” Laryea-Adjei said, adding that it is important to include children, youth, but also the young – individuals in their thirties – as different cultures define age brackets in different ways. Through this partnership, both parties will launch and execute three joint programmes, namely Educators Training, Net Zero Heroes, and the Children’s Art Competition, designed to foster a deep understanding of climate issues among children.
Commenting on the partnership, the UNICEF Director said: “We really applaud the government for that partnership. And is with us, and with UNESCO as well, we are hoping that every child… is going to have a lot of awareness about why climate matters, because it’s not just a story, you have to understand that this is real, scientific, and it can be addressed.”
These initiatives aim to instil in every child the importance of environmental stewardship, regardless of their future profession, he added. UNICEF also held a Climate Training Programme for The United Arab Emirates Youth Climate Advocates a couple of months prior. Laryea-Adjei explained that by integrating green skills into the education curriculum, children are prepared to contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.
UAE’s Loss and Damage Pledge: Commendable Start
The commitment of countries, including the UAE’s pledge of $100 million to the Loss and Damage Fund, is a commendable start in addressing the financial aspects of climate change, the Director said. UNICEF sees this as a positive step towards converging political will and resources towards underfunded areas such as health, education, and water systems.
These funds are crucial in areas where private capital is less likely to venture, thus ensuring that the most vulnerable are not left behind, Laryea-Adjei stressed.
UAE and UNICEF: A Unified Vision for a Sustainable Future
“The UAE has always been a partner to UNICEF. Again, I’m just coming from the health events. We’ve been a partner in many ways, in education, in disease control,” the UNICEF Director said.
The Director said that this partnership will continue to flourish, leveraging the UAE’s innovative models in education, water management, and youth engagement.
He expressed hope that UAE’s successful models will be replicated in other countries, amplifying their impact on a global scale.
