Dubai: UAE Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment (MOCCAE) joined forces with the Federal Youth Authority and the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) to host a Youth Circle event called “Sustainable Agrifood Systems under Climate Change.” This event, held at the ICBA headquarters, was in line with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and its “Today for Tomorrow” theme, which resonates with the Youth Circles initiative.
The Youth Circle event provided a platform for young leaders from across the UAE to discuss the transformative potential of agrobiodiversity and the role of sustainable food systems in combating climate change. Distinguished thought leaders and experts, including Mr. Mohammad Saeed Al Nuaimi, Acting Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and the Environment, Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director-General of ICBA, and Dr. Augusto Becerra Lopez-Lavalle, Chief Scientist of ICBA, were present at the event. Representatives from the Ministry were also in attendance, further highlighting the importance of the occasion.
Mr. Mohammad Al Nuaimi remarked that, “Climate change is a pressing issue that affects us all, particularly the future of our food systems. The Youth Circle event embodies the UAE’s commitment to engaging our young people in developing innovative, sustainable solutions to these challenges. This echoes the spirit of the Year of Sustainability’s theme, ‘Today for Tomorrow’, by reinforcing our resolve to build a greener and more resilient future.”
The Youth Circles initiative aims to encourage youth participation and foster solution-oriented dialogues in response to global challenges, with a particular focus on diversifying diets and reducing food waste. The event emphasized the urgent need for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies to ensure food security and nutrition.
The discussions at the event primarily revolved around scientific and innovative approaches to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agrifood systems. Moreover, participants explored ways to engage young people in the development of climate-smart solutions for agrifood systems. By focusing on these areas, the event catered to the interests of young individuals passionate about sustainability, climate change, and agrifood systems.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the lead-up to COP28 and underscores the UAE’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and climate action. By hosting events like the Youth Circle, the UAE continues to demonstrate its dedication to fostering a generation of informed and proactive youth who can contribute to shaping a sustainable future.