TRENDS Research and Advisory Releases Road Map to COP28

TRENDS Research and Advisory has released its roadmap to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted by the UAE from November 30 to December 12, 2023 at EXPO Dubai.

The briefing was held at the TRENDS Conference Hall. Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, welcomed the guests. He said that the Center's roadmap supports the UAE's efforts to host an "exceptional and historic edition" of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) and deliver tangible results that put all humanity on the right track to face the threat of climate change.

Dr. Al-Ali added that TRENDS attaches great importance to climate, environment and sustainability issues, based on its keenness to address serious scientific issues of interest. The Center gives priority to regional and global issues. It has developed a plan to keep pace with COP28, and support the huge efforts led by the UAE to achieve the required results.

Three Themes of the Road Map:

• Empowering youth: through programs and events focusing on capacity building and engagement.

• Enhancing global participation: through partnerships with research centres and other relevant global institutions.

• Reach out for all segments of society: through various means, such as publishing, events, and educational programs.

Main activities:

• A special symposium at Expo Dubai Centre entitled “The Future of Water Resources: Challenges and Opportunities for Cooperation.

• Organize the youth conference in COP 28.

• Launch a youth media platform dedicated to climate change issues.

• Organize a roundtable for think tanks in November 2023.

• Publish a report on sustainable security in the Middle East: climate change, challenges and prospects.

• Launch a smartphone application that provides relevant information on climate change.

• Organize workshops and educational programs on climate change.

• Launch the “Green Research” competition for young people. This initiative targets young people of both genders to motivate them to provide innovative solutions to address environmental challenges.

• Launch the “TRENDS Youth for Environment” initiative with the aim of developing the capabilities of young people in the field of climate action.

• Organize an event in cooperation with Saif Bin Zayed Academy for Police and Security Sciences entitled “The Role of Sustainability in Security and Police Operations.

• Launch an environmentally friendly pavilion of 20 square meters in the Knowledge Center at Expo Dubai, with the aim of spreading awareness about the environmental and climate issues.

• Organizing events and seminars at the Sharjah Book Fair that address environmental and climate issues.

• Publish a book entitled: “Climate Change and Transboundary Challenges in the Middle East and Africa: New Convergences in Discourse and Policy,” and another book entitled: “Climate Change: Dimensions and Future Directions.”

• Conduct a public opinion poll on “Arab Youth and Climate Change: Awareness, Perceptions and Participation.”

• Launching the Trends podcast Service on climate issues.

• Introducing the “Mirage (ART Piece) project through cooperation with a group of artists to create an artistic piece that promotes the art culture and addresses climate issues.

Roadmap objectives:

• Highlight the importance of climate action and support youth efforts in this field.

• Enhance the role of youth in climate action, and support their efforts in confronting environmental challenges.

• Spread awareness about environmental and climate issues through various tools and means.

• Enhance knowledge and Relevant research cooperation with many partners in various countries.

The significance of the roadmap:

• The Trends Roadmap comes within the framework of the Centre’s keenness to keep abreast with the World Climate Summit, support the efforts to make it a success, and create a paradigm shift in the process of confronting climate challenges.

• The roadmap reflects Trends’ commitment to the great responsibility that falls on think tanks and scientific research in advancing development and positive change in the field of climate change and sustainability.

• The roadmap contributes to raising the level of environmental awareness in modern and innovative ways, and enhances the role of youth in climate action.