In a rapidly transforming world, the imperative of climate action demands more than technological innovation and policy reforms. It calls for a fundamental shift in our culture and education systems.
We stand at a pivotal juncture, with the energy transition poised to create 43 million jobs in renewable energy and 122 million in the broader energy transition workforce by 2050, according to latest research conducted by the International Renewable Energy Agency. The vital question then is: are we equipping our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, with the necessary skills and knowledge to take on these roles effectively?
To answer this central question, it’s paramount that global platforms such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change provide opportunities to project the voices of youth on the energy transition dialogue.
At Cop28, we will find exactly this. For the Cop28 Presidency has vowed to place an unprecedented emphasis on the voices of youth and the role of education in preparing young people to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future.
The introduction of a Green Education Pavilion, as well as a day dedicated to youth, children, education and skills, signals a shift in how we approach climate discussions at global forums. And with the involvement of the Youth Climate Champion, Shamma Al Mazrui, the voices of young people are not just heard but will echo across the chambers of the decision-making halls at Cop28.
Our youth are not just beneficiaries of climate action, they are its drivers. Their innovation, passion and leadership are crucial in navigating the challenges of a world on fire. It’s not just about creating job opportunities. It’s about shaping thought leaders, innovators and change-makers who can steward our planet responsibly.
Young minds from around the globe will converge to exchange knowledge, foster innovation and drive the energy transition.
On the road to Cop28 for youth, the upcoming Student Energy Summit – the world’s largest student-led conference on energy – provides a crucial touchpoint that provides a clarion call for global youth engagement in the energy transition and also sets the stage for student-led climate action.
This summit, which aligns with the vision of the Cop28 Presidency, serves to engage youth in the dialogue and decision-making process of the energy transition. Hosted by New York University Abu Dhabi, this summit represents a convergence of bright young minds, provides a fertile ground for collaborative innovation, and fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas.
The Student Energy Summit, alongside other initiatives such as the Taqa Youth Forum, Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability and Irena’s Energy Transition Education Network, symbolises a broader shift towards valuing and investing in the creative and strategic capacities of our younger generation.
In this vein, Irena’s Teaching for Net Zero campaign, which will be launched on December 5 at the Greening Education Hub during Cop28, will further highlight the importance of educating the educators for a sustainable energy future.
Beyond these summits and youth-focused initiatives, the recent adoption of the UAE-led, Irena-supported resolution by the Unesco Executive Board on “Strengthening the Role of Culture and Education for Climate Action and Resilience” fortifies the structural foundation for these initiatives.
This resolution is not merely a document, it’s a commitment by member states to intertwine climate action with education and culture. It emphasises building capacities through networks such as biosphere reserves and global geoparks, to enrich our knowledge, skills and values essential for addressing our greatest environmental challenges. It’s a stepping-stone towards creating a robust, informed workforce capable of driving the energy transition.
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A child stands in his family's yard as a wildfire burns nearby, in the village of Agios Charalampos near Athens, in July 2023. Europe saw record temperatures amid a relentless heatwave and wildfires that scorched vast regions of the Northern Hemisphere, forcing the evacuation of 1,200 children close to a Greek seaside resort. Health authorities sounded alarms from North America to Europe and Asia, urging people to stay hydrated and shelter from the burning sun, in a stark reminder of the effects of global warming. AFP -
A resident uses a buoy to move through a flooded house after heavy rains in Bago township, in Myanmar's Bago region, in October. Floods sparked by record rain hit parts of southern Myanmar, inundating roads and fields and sending residents fleeing for higher ground. AFP -
Ali Hakim, an Iraqi Marsh Arab man, Iooks at the remains of a buffalo that died due to drought and the salinity of the water at the Basra marshes, Iraq. Reuters -
Iris Hsueh, left, and her fiance Ian Ciou pose for a pre-wedding photo in front of a rubbish heap in Puli Township, Taiwan. The couple chose the site for their photoshoot because the environment-conscious bride said she wanted to discourage guests and the public from generating waste. AFP -
Residents of a riverside community in Amazonas state, Brazil, carry food and containers of drinking water distributed by the state's humanitarian aid action, amid a continuing drought and high temperatures that affect the region of the Solimoes River. AP -
The edge of Larsen C Ice Shelf, left, and the western edge of iceberg A68 in the distance over the Antarctic in November 2017. The iceberg detached from the ice shelf in July 2017, becoming one of the largest in recorded history to split off from Antarctica. AFP -
A man walks past construction vehicles submerged in debris caused by flash floods after a lake burst in Rangpo, India, in October. Reuters -
A mobile home swept by floodwaters in Steinhatchee, Florida, in August 2023, after Hurricane Idalia made landfall. Idalia slammed into north-west Florida as an 'extremely dangerous' Category 3 storm, buffeting coastal communities as officials warned of 'catastrophic' flooding in parts of the southern US state. AFP -
A floating solar farm, built on the site of a former coal mine since filled with water, in Huainan, China. The installation by Sungrow Power Supply Co covers the size of more than 400 football pitches and generates power for more than 100,000 homes. Getty Images -
A handprint of glue left behind by an activist from the group Last Generation (Letzte Generation), after they were removed by police, is visible on the asphalt following a blockade at an intersection in Berlin, Germany, in September. Last Generation is continuing its disruptive protests in an effort to put pressure on politicians to stop the burning of fossil fuels. Getty Images
The UAE’s foresight in integrating culture and education into the climate conversation, as evidenced by the Unesco resolution, is a template for global action. The Greening Education Partnership, an initiative springing from this resolution, emphasises greening schools, transforming curriculums and enhancing teacher training. It’s about building an ecosystem where every learner is prepared to face and fight climate change.
From the moment the UAE was awarded the right to host Cop28, we knew that we had to go beyond just setting an agenda. We had to craft a vision for a future where youth-led initiatives are not just spotlighted but supported with the backing to succeed. If our approach towards climate change is to be truly holistic, it must encompass education, culture and the sciences.
As we approach Cop28, we should harness the vibrancy, ingenuity and courage of our youth, equipping them not just with the skills to undertake energy transition workforce jobs, but with a critical thinking mindset to shape a vision that can define our shared future.
The energy transition is not just a challenge, it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to rewire our societies, redefine our values and reimagine our future, with our youth leading the charge.
As we move forward, let’s remember that the involvement of youth in climate action isn’t just beneficial, it’s indispensable.
With each conference, summit and educational initiative, we’re not just preparing our youth for future jobs; we’re entrusting them with the stewardship of our planet. Their energy, creativity and vision are the catalysts for a sustainable, resilient future.
At Cop28 and beyond, let’s commit to not just including but prioritising the voices and ideas of our young leaders. Their participation today shapes our world tomorrow.
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany is the UAE’s permanent representative to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Beniamin Strzelecki is the co-chair of the 2023 Student Energy Summit
