Trends’ Harvest at COP28: delivered 15 events that promoted sustainability concepts and proposed scientific solutions to combat climate change

-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: Trends' activities at COP28 provided a platform for exchanging ideas and discussing climate change issues

Trends Research and Advisory wrapped up its active participation in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which was hosted by Dubai Expo City for 13 days.  The Center organized 15 knowledge events that included conferences, seminars, and panel discussions. These events promoted the concepts of sustainability and raised environmental awareness. A host of renowned participants proposed scientific and practical solutions to combat the effects of climate change.

Trends Research and Advisory opened its participation in the COP28 conference by organizing its third annual conference in cooperation with the Atlantic Council, entitled: "Sustainable Security... The soft and hard implications of climate action." The conference was attended by twenty political experts, academics, researchers and specialists in environment, climate and security issues from different countries of the world. The second event was an open panel discussion in partnership with the Arab Youth Center, entitled: "Youth climate mobility as a catalyst for climate action”.

Artwork «Transcendence» and Podcasts

Trends Research and Advisory appreciated the role of artwork in promoting awareness. The Center launched an artwork named “Transcendence”, which blends awareness and creativity, and addresses minds on climate, environment and sustainability issues. Trends also signed two memorandums of cooperation with the Emirates Red Crescent Authority and the University of Dubai, with the aim of enhancing partnerships in the fields of research. The parties committed to conduct research and organize joint conferences and seminars. The Center launched a series of episodes of "Trends podcast" from “COP28" conference. More than twenty podcasts reviewed regional and international efforts to achieve climate neutrality, and discussed several sustainability and climate action issues.

The Trends pavilion at the Knowledge Center in the Green Zone of COP28 was visited by many ministers, official and corporate delegates, in addition to a large crowd of visitors interested in climate research, sustainability and environmental studies. The visitors were briefed on the Trends’ contributions to climate and sustainability issues. They praised the Center’s scientific and research contribution to this global event.

Sustainable Cities

A symposium "Sustainable Cities... The New Generation of Smart Cities", was organized by Trends Research and Advisory in partnership with Muharram Holding Group, discussed mechanisms for expanding the approach of smart sustainable cities to meet the challenges of climate change. In addition, a panel discussion on "prospects for cooperation in the field of energy transition for a sustainable future", in cooperation with the Atlantic Council – Turkey office. Moreover, Trends Research and Advisory published the results of the Arab public opinion poll on "climate change: Attitudes, perceptions and participation." The survey found out that 62.5% of Arabs consider climate change a major source of risk, and regard climate and environmental issues at the top of their priorities and concerns.

Climate Justice

The series of scientific events delivered by Trends Research and Advisory on the sidelines of the COP28 included a panel discussion in partnership with Aletihad news Center entitled: “COP28 and climate justice... Steps in the Right Direction.” The series of Trends’ events included a seminar on "The Future of Climate Action in Light of the Outcomes of the COP28 Conference", as well as a panel discussion entitled: "Climate Change and Transboundary Challenges in Middle East and Africa.” The events included a panel discussion on "Climate Change: Dimensions and Future Directions." In partnership with the United Arab Emirates University, Trends Center organized a panel discussion entitled "Water Security under the Conditions of Climate Change in the UAE.” Saif bin Zayed Academy for Police and Security Sciences held a forum entitled "Sustainability for Police and Security Services", in cooperation with Trends Research and Advisory, as a strategic research partner.

Arab Youth Awareness

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory, said that the Arab Youth Center, in partnership with Trends, launched an important report entitled: "Arab Youth and Climate Change: perceptions and positions. TRENDS also launched a paper in cooperation with the Atlantic Council - Turkey entitled: "Prospects for cooperation in energy transition for a sustainable future: GCC, Turkey, and Regional Perspectives".

Dr. Al-Ali added that Trends has launched a set of relevant book entitled: "Climate Change and Transboundary Challenges in the Middle East and Africa" and "Climate Change... dimensions and future directions.” Trends organized a panel discussion on "Climate Foresight... Shaping a Resilient Future" in partnership with the University of Dubai.

Dr. Al-Ali explained that Trends’ participation in COP28 was exceptional and distinguished by all standards. Indeed, the Center contributed to enhancing dialogue and exchange of valuable insights between academics, researchers and specialists. The discussion sessions and scientific events called for preserving the environment and biodiversity and combating the effects of climate change.

Sustainable future

Dr. Al-Ali indicated that the various events held by Trends Research and Advisory throughout the COP28 conference aimed to extract visions and proposals from practitioners and experts through recommendations that can contribute to achieving the objectives of the conference. He added that ideas and discussions between researchers and experts constituted a valuable source of knowledge that can used to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Dr. Al-Ali said that the sessions and panel discussions held by the center raised the slogan: "We share to create a sustainable future with green knowledge." They provided a platform for exchanging ideas and discussion on climate change. He said that Trends discussions shed light on a number of contemporary issues, most notably: climate change and transboundary challenges, the material and moral effects of climate action, the political environment of climate change, climate change and youth awareness, climate action and financing options, green hydrogen and the energy transition, and the future of sustainable development.