UAE youth play an active role in climate action at COP28: Founder of Global Youth Leadership Centre

Ejaj Ahmed, Founder and CEO of the Global Youth Leadership Centre, emphasised the active role of youth in the United Arab Emirates in the climate action process during their participation at COP28.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the COP28, Ejaj said, “My experience with the UAE youth during cop28 showed that they are full of vitality and activity, and want to take actions to address climate action.”

“I think it is important for us to harness the energy of young people and give them the necessary skills, tools and resources so that they can take climate action not only for their countries but for the global community,” he added.

He pointed out that the vast majority of the world’s population are “youth”, equivalent to 60 percent of the total population on Earth, and therefore it is imperative to engage young people in negotiations and discussions about mitigating the effects of climate change and ways to adapt to it.

He stressed that youth leadership in this file will play a decisive role, adding, “This is their future and they must take charge, and we must see them in the decision-making process not only in COP28, but also in their national governments, the private sector, and initiatives that contribute to addressing climate crises.”