Abu Dhabi: The incoming Presidency of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has announced the launch of the Universities Climate Network (UCN), aiming to encourage youth engagement in climate action.
The UCN, of which NYU Abu Dhabi serves as its founding member and chair, will host workshops, public events, policy briefs, and youth participation, providing a singular, amplified voice for higher education institutions in the UAE.
The UCN is comprised of 12 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions, including the American University of Sharjah, Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Higher Colleges of Technology, Khalifa University, Masdar Institute, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, National Defence College, NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates University, and Zayed University.
Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General and Special Representative of COP28 UAE, remarked that “the Universities Climate Network will support our goal of creating a more inclusive and participatory environment for young people to be leaders in climate action.”
“Continuing the positive legacy established at previous COPs, the Universities Climate Network will mobilise young people through meaningful dialogue and amplify the efforts of the COP28 Presidency, including our Youth Climate Champion. As incubators of the next generation, universities play a key role in nurturing innovation and providing young voices platforms to express their views and contribute to policy-shaping discussions that are most important to their needs,” Mr. Al Suwaidi added.
COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The conference is expected to convene more than 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.