COP28 Presidency Hosts Youth Ambition Council During United Nations General Assembly Meetings
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and the appointed President of the "COP28" Conference, affirmed that in alignment with the vision of leadership in the United Arab Emirates, the "COP28" Presidency is committed to ensuring the inclusion of everyone in the conference's working system and activating the participation of youth from various parts of the world. This includes listening to their opinions and priorities to enhance their pivotal role in climate action and ensure their contributions towards building a better future for themselves and the planet.
This statement came during the hosting of the "Youth Ambition Council" event by the "COP28" Presidency on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings at the UAE Consulate in New York. The aim is to activate youth participation and bolster their contributions, providing a platform for presenting their ideas and aspirations in preparation for the conference at the end of the current year.
The event was attended by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the "Global Sustainability Alliance," along with His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and Her Excellency Shaima bint Sohail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Community Development and the Youth Climate Leader for COP28, along with over 30 youth representatives from various parts of the world. The discussions focused on the intended outcomes and results related to youth in COP28, as well as the sharing of their purposeful ideas for substantial progress in climate action.
The convening of the Youth Ambition Council is one of the key pillars of the COP28 Presidency's action plan, which aims to ensure the full inclusion of everyone in the conference's working system. It empowers youth to participate in climate action and connects youth groups with the process of the Conference of the Parties' work.
During the council, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber emphasized that the innovation, ideas, passion, and strong determination of the youth are fundamental factors that will contribute to achieving ambitious and effective results for COP28, benefiting future generations.
He also mentioned that such events provide an opportunity for youth to share their ideas, aspirations, and expectations in preparation for the upcoming COP28 at the end of this year.
On her part, Her Excellency Shaima Al Mazrouei addressed the present youth regarding their inquiries about their participation in COP28. She confirmed the conference's commitment to enhancing and activating youth participation in the climate action framework, through policy-making processes and official decisions in climate-related conferences and meetings.
She stated during the council, "For the first time in the history of COP conferences, COP28 will dedicate a day to youth, children, education, and skills, in addition to a specific space for youth in both the Green and Blue Zones. Through the conference hosted by the UAE, we aim to change the current situation and work with everyone to fulfill commitments and provide new solutions and innovations, utilizing the boundless potential of youth."
During the council, climate action leaders and youth discussed ways to contribute to the success of "The Climate Ambition Summit" in the COP28, including the main achievements that the youth need to realize during the conference. They also discussed linking the agenda of the new UN Youth Office with the negotiation process of the conference and the progress made in the main efforts of COP28 to support youth participation.
The "Youth Ambition Council" meeting followed the launch of the COP28 Presidency's program for international youth delegates earlier this year. The program aims to amplify the voices and opinions of the world's youth, present their diverse viewpoints, and priorities in the Conference of the Parties' process. The program selected 100 young delegates, most of whom are from less developed countries and small island developing states, to participate in climate negotiations and joint initiatives between the public and private sectors.