Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In partnership with the Youth Climate Champion of COP28 UAE team, the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC), under the Arab Youth Centre, has released a report entitled "Empowering Youth Voices in Arab Climate Policy."
The report highlights the critical role of youth in shaping climate action across the Arab region, focusing on the impact of Local Conferences of Youth (LCOYs) and Regional Conferences of Youth (RCOYs).
It highlights the growing participation of youth in climate discussions, principally at high-profile events like COP27 and COP28, and proposes strategies to better integrate youth into national and regional climate governance.
The report calls for greater youth integration in climate governance, noting COYs and RCOYs as key platforms for engaging the youth, generating innovative ideas, and influencing national climate strategies, while also addressing the lack of youth participation in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
According to the report, the success of LCOYs in countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen and Egypt illustrate the growing influence of youth in shaping their countries' climate futures.
For instance, the LCOY Lebanon 2023 event helped youth influence the country's NDCs, while LCOY Yemen saw the creation of the Climate Youth Negotiator Programme.
While still in their early stages, LCOYs in the Arab region are key to laying the foundation for future youth influence in climate policy.
The report outlines key strategies for integrating youth into climate governance, citing platforms like LCOYs and RCOYs, establishing youth advisory boards, and providing legislative support and capacity-building programmes.
It emphasises the need for transparency, accountability and collaboration across sectors.
And it calls for collaboration between governments, NGOs, the private sector, and international organisations to support youth-driven solutions and integrate them into broader climate governance.
In addition, it offers a detailed roadmap with clear milestones and inter-generational dialogue platforms to bridge the gap between youth and policymakers, ensuring meaningful participation and long-term impact.
Speaking to Aletihad about the role of youth in shaping climate policy and the future of climate action in the UAE, Ghaya Alahbabi, the youngest UNICEF Youth Advocate for COP28 said: "Youth engagement and long-term vision are essential in shaping the future of climate policy. Young people bring a sense of urgency and innovation, influencing public opinion and advocating for bold, transformative changes. Their active participation ensures that climate solutions are not only effective but also sustainable for generations to come."
Alahbabi envisions a future where climate action is integrated into all aspects of life, building on the UAE's progress in renewable energy, sustainable development, as well as environmental stewardship, with the youth playing a crucial role in achieving this vision.
