Expo City Dubai marks one year countdown to COP28

Expo City Dubai has kicked off a diverse and engaging calendar of sustainability-themed events to mark the one-year countdown to COP28.

The UAE will host the next United Nations climate conference at the former Expo 2020 Dubai site from November 6-17, 2023.

Thought-provoking youth discussions, performances, exhibitions and more will feature as part of Expo City’s sustainability-themed calendar, culminating in an impactful ‘Green Zone’ public area during COP28.

More activations will be revealed over the next 12 months.

Like previous editions, the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), known as COP28, will assess and drive progress on combatting climate change.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture, Expo City Dubai, said: "Tackling climate change remains at the top of the global agenda, a priority for the UAE, and a conversation we are actively engaged in as a city and educational hub."

"Leveraging our signature creative storytelling and expertise as a convener, our diverse programming will engage everyone, regardless of age, background or awareness, in wider efforts to mitigate climate change, building momentum to COP28 and beyond as Expo City continues its journey to net zero," she added.

The Next Gen World Majlis, an Expo School Programme platform for youth to discuss issues that impact all our futures, makes its post-Expo 2020 comeback on November 21.

It will see a group of students aged 9-12 years, selected from schools across the UAE, explore the climate crisis, probing who, if anyone, can be held responsible; what should be asked of world leaders; the current role and potential of schools in tackling the crisis; and the risks of inaction.

The event is in line with World Children’s Day, commemorated annually on November 20 to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and the improvement of children's welfare.

Youth also takes centre stage in the return of Expo Young Stars on November 24 and 25 at Al Wasl, where students will express their thoughts and present an interpretation of climate issues through sustainability-themed performances.

Part of the Expo School Programme, the Expo Young Stars performances are open to the public, and attendance is free of charge.

These events will be followed by the Reflections on Climate Change exhibition, inviting visitors to learn about the history and goals of COPs, the components of the crisis, and initiatives in place to maintain hope for the future. Dates for the exhibition will be announced at a later stage.

Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion continues to welcome visitors as it brings Expo City Dubai’s commitment to sustainability to life, taking them on a journey under the ocean or through the forest and empowering individuals of all nationalities, ages and interests to make more sustainable choices in their own lives.