Young researchers and specialists in climate action stressed that young people from around the world are able to play a pivotal role in decision-making and public environmental policies. The engagement of youth in climate issues would contribute effectively to the efforts of reducing the impact of climate change. Young people have the tools and intellectual skills to deliver in this respect. They can harness modern technology and advanced innovations, which can develop prompt and useful solutions to solve the climate change crisis.
The insights were expressed as part of a panel discussion held by Trends Research and Advisory in partnership with the Arab Youth Center, at the COP28 Media Center - Green Zone in Expo City Dubai. The panel discussion entitled: "Youth Climate Mobility as a Catalyst for Climate Action" was an interactive platform for young people to express their opinions, ideas and insights on the global policy-making process aimed at combating climate change.
Butti Al Muhairi , Chairman of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change, analyst at the Office of Strategic Affairs and Next Generation Climate Fellow at the United Nations, Sultan Majid Al Ali, Director of Global Barometer at TRENDS, MAISSAM EL KOUCHE, Director of Sustainability at Majid Al Futtaim and member of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change, and Mariam Al Jeneibi, Researcher and opinion polls specialist at TRENDS, participated in the panel discussion.
Environmental Science Teaching
The panelists discussed the impact of youth in real-world environmental decision-making and public policies, as well as possible ways to improve the capacity of climate activism and environmental commitment for youth. They stressed the need to enhance the effectiveness of teaching environmental sciences to children. They agreed on the necessity of motivating, empowering and mobilizing a new generation to work on climate change.
The discussion reviewed the results of the study "Arab Youth Awareness of Climate", prepared by the Arab Youth Center, in partnership with TRENDS Research and Advisory. The study monitored the extent of Arab youth's awareness of climate change, its causes and potential consequences, as well as their motivations to participate in climate action.
The results of the study revealed that 46% of the participants stressed the need for training in climate change issues, and an equal percentage sought to develop skills in the field of campaigning, organizing and communication. 45% of the respondents expressed the need for opportunities to connect with active young people in the field of climate action, while 43% highlighted the need for more information on climate change. The results of the survey showed the need to enhance youth participation in climate action through raising awareness, organizational and institutional support, education and training.
Education for Empowerment
The participants stressed that education enhances environmental and climate awareness at an early age. This is a necessary condition for building a generation capable of delivering real change in the field of combating climate change. The panelists called for the integration of climate education into basic education programs and encouraging students from a young age to interact with nature. Students should be given practical lessons on how to care for and preserve nature and the environment.
The discussants indicated that the involvement of youth in policy making is important. It requires creating the appropriate environment, where young people have a real voice in policymaking and facilitates the inclusion of youth in the processes of developing and implementing policies in the field of climate change. In fact, young people voice must be heard in the decision-making process. Platforms such as the Arab Youth Council, can serve as critical channels for young minds to contribute to policies that meet their needs and interests.
Training & Qualification
The participants also stressed that young people need to be more involved in climate action through training on how to engage in climate change issues. There is an urgent need to develop more skills, such as campaigning, organizing and communication. Therefore, recognizing the importance of training is very important, and we must organize campaigns that equip young people with the necessary skills for effective climate action. The discussion explained that we must also work to bridge the knowledge gap between scientific elites and young people regarding the repercussions of climate change. The panelists proposed the need to address the knowledge gap by taking advantage of social media as a tool to simplify scientific information, and share the relevant content in a friendly language that is attractive to young people.
Investing in the future
On youth empowerment, the panelists suggested facilitating youth-led policies to provide more meaningful participation opportunities, promote inclusive climate action initiatives and expand investment in the future. The discussion called for allocating adequate resources to universities and research centers, which ensures access to objective scientific information and helps build region-specific climate policies and promote a sustainable future for all.
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