ICBA to Host Local Conference of Youth in UAE

Two-Day Event Will Provide a Platform for Youth in the UAE to Contribute to Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Discussions Ahead of COP28

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has joined forces with Zayed University (ZU) to hold a national conference of youth on climate action and environmental sustainability in the lead-up to COP28.

Dubbed LCOY UAE (the Local Conference of Youth in the UAE), the event will take place on 25 and 26 October 2023 under the umbrella of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a local version of the global Conference of Youth (COY), the official gathering of YOUNGO members and all interested youth which happens a couple of days before the annual Conference of the Parties (COP).

“Today young people are taking center stage in climate action and environmental sustainability around the world. And they are eager to have a say and make a difference. But they need more opportunities and platforms for expressing opinions and making contributions. So, the purpose of LCOY UAE is to serve as such platform. As the UAE marks the Year of Sustainability and prepares to host COP28, the forum will give young people a unique opportunity to discover, discuss, and innovate solutions for climate change and bridge the gap between science and practice. And we are grateful to all our partners for joining us to make it possible,” said Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA.

Organized under the theme of “Putting youth at the heart of climate action”, the event aims to bring together young people from across the UAE to share their experiences, insights, and solutions on climate change. It will serve as a platform for youth to network, discuss climate-related issues, and help nurture their leadership and innovation skills.

With some 200 participants expected to attend, LCOY UAE will include interactive sessions and discussions between youth and experts from various fields on climate action, environmental protection, food and nutrition security, circular economy, education for sustainable development, and the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), among other things. The program will also feature hands-on activities like Ghaf tree planting, competitions, Biodiversity Collage and Climate Fresk workshops.

The event’s overarching objectives are to boost youth engagement and leadership, develop actionable solutions, and inspire youth-led innovations to address climate change. LCOY UAE is also expected to produce a youth statement and provide inputs into RCOY, COY18, and COP28.

Other organizers include the United Nations Global Compact UAE, the Global Shapers Dubai Hub, the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in the UAE, the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change, the Arabian Youth Environment Programme, and Zayed University’s Kulna Club.

The event is sponsored by Schneider Electric, Siemens Middle East, and Accuracy.

LCOY UAE will be hosted at ICBA’s headquarters on the first day and at the Dubai campus of Zayed University on the second.

More information about the event’s program and registration is available at www.lcoy.ae.