UAE launches University Climate Network to stimulate youth participation in Cop28

The environmental conference will be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12

Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi said the initiative reflects the role universities have as incubators for future generations. Victor Besa / The National

Representatives from 12 UAE universities and higher education institutions have launched the University Climate Network, aimed at encouraging young people's participation in Cop28 at the end of this year.

The network, chaired by New York University Abu Dhabi, includes Khalifa University, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, and the American University of Sharjah, among others.

It aims to promote the principle of inclusion in the conference work system in a way that stimulates the participation of young people to prepare them to lead climate action.

In a statement, Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi, Director General and special representative of Cop28, said: “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.

Visitors at the Road to Cop28 launch event held at Jubilee Park, Expo City Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

"Incubators of the next generation, universities play a key role in nurturing innovation and providing young voices platforms to express their views and to contribute to policy shaping discussions that are most important to their needs.”

The University Climate Network’s activities will begin with the “Ramadan Talks” series, which includes a number of seminars in which various educational institutions host prominent speakers in the field of climate and related topics, such as climate diplomacy, the hydrogen economy, modern urban life in Gulf countries, and the importance of Cop28.

Cop28 will be held from November 30 to December 12, at Expo City Dubai, and is expected to be attended by about 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, leaders of global industrial sectors, representatives of the private sector and climate experts.