Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said Cop28 in the UAE this year would have an enduring impact on the future of climate change.
The Crown Prince of Dubai, attending a meeting of the Cop28 UAE Higher Committee held at Expo City Dubai, said the organisation of the event reflects the country's commitment to bringing together nations and institutions from around the world to generate solutions for critical international issues.
After the UAE’s previous success in hosting mega global events, he said Cop28 "promises to open new pathways to resolve global environmental and climate-related challenges".
"We look forward to organising the best edition of Cop that will have a lasting impact on global sustainability," Sheikh Hamdan said.
In the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan spoke about the importance of local and federal government working together as one team to ensure the event's success.
The meeting built on discussions at the previous committee meeting in February chaired by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and head of the UAE's delivery committee.
Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-designate of Cop28, provided Sheikh Hamdan with updates on local preparations for the climate summit, including the Cop28 Presidency’s global listening tour.
“The Cop28 Presidency is actively consulting with and listening to all stakeholders on the first leg of our listening tour, to connect the efforts of all stakeholders in co-creating concrete solutions across mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage and climate finance," said Dr Al Jaber.
"This is crucial to Cop28’s vision for an open, transparent and inclusive process that builds on previous climate progress, enhances the buy-in of diverse stakeholders and advances groundbreaking outcomes, solutions and partnerships towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement.”
Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, spoke about efforts to increase local and international youth participation and prioritise young people's voices, needs and skills on the global climate agenda.
The meeting also included an in-depth discussion of all logistical preparations for the event.
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School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
