Youth-led 'Road to COP28' event to accelerate global climate action

The first COP28 Presidency-hosted and youth-led event, 'Road to COP28', aims to accelerate global climate action.

Making the announcement, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the move is to include all sections of the society - "particularly the youth - to "collectively drive a solutions-oriented COP28 agenda".

"This event represents a significant moment for the country’s youth to come together and join the wider community towards raising awareness and mobilizing an all-of-society effort towards COP28," he added.

Held on March 15 at Expo City Dubai, the day-long event consists of three programmes, which includes interactive workshops, sustainability initiatives and a platform for the UAE’s leadership to share their ambitions for COP28 alongside youth climate advocates.

It will revolve around four strategic pillars: participation, action, voice, and education, and will be open to students aged 7 to 15.

The ‘Road to COP28’ will highlight the priorities and principles underpinning COP28, through a varied program of activities to engage with more than 3,000 people.

Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and President-Designate of COP28, highlighted that the "event is a crucial milestone in the inclusion of and ongoing engagement with young people across the world".

"The youth of today are the climate leaders of tomorrow," he added.

COP28’s Youth Climate Champion, Shamma Al Mazrui, said the event creates a new narrative that brings about desired transformations. She called on youth to be change makers by adopting a culture of flexibility, innovating solutions, and seizing opportunities.