Federal Youth Authority launches first cycle of the UAE Youth Delegates Program for Climate

In cooperation with the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, the program aims to raise youth awareness on climate change concerns

Young people are role models in promoting climate action through their studies, research initiatives, at their workplaces, and have the passion, knowledge and commitment to environmental action: HE Shamma Al Mazrui, The UAE Federal Youth Authority, in partnership with the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, announced the launch of the first cycle of the UAE Youth Climate Delegate Program (YCDP). 

The YCDP was designed to support meaningful youth participation and upskilling in response to the need for diverse voices in the multilateral climate process. It aims to strengthen awareness of the UAE’s track-record in climate action and its pioneering work towards addressing climate change. 

Under the program, youth participants will be embedded in the UAE’s negotiations and partnerships teams at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP), as well as engage in public and private sector initiatives. This will enable youth delegates to gain first-hand experience, skills, and knowledge relevant to climate action. 

Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth, said: “The UAE Youth Climate Delegate Program reflects the vision of the UAE leadership to establish a world-class model that empowers Emirati youth to become ambassadors in critical decision-making for climate action and sustainable development across the economy and society. This program will contribute to youth participation at all levels of organization for COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference, which will be hosted by the UAE in Expo City Dubai in 2023.”

HE Al Mazrui added: “Today, young people have become role models through their advocacy and promotion of climate action, whether in their schools, research initiatives or at the workplace. Our youth have clearly demonstrated that they are passionate, knowledgeable and committed to making a difference. Through this program, we want to equip and entrust our youth with responsibilities to contribute to the UAE’s climate ambitions.”

The launch of the YCDP complements the UAE’s focus on youth empowerment and dialogues to advance inclusive and ambitious climate action. This has become all the more important as the country prepares to host COP28, the Emirates Climate Conference.

His Excellency, Ambassador Majid Al-Suwaidi, Director-General of COP28, said: “Inclusivity will be key to our success in meeting the world’s climate goals. As the UAE gears up to host COP28 next year, it is a priority for us to bring young people into the very heart of the UN process and global climate action. It is our young people who will be in the driving seat over the next crucial decades. It is vital that they are included and empowered to shape the decisions being taken and drive global ambition, from now into the future. We are proud of the young people who have stepped forward to join our first ever cohort of UAE Youth Climate Delegates and we look forward to them playing a leading role at this pivotal moment.”

One of the strategic objectives of the YCDP is to ensure that youth perspectives and needs are reflected in global climate policy. The Program aims to build skills, capacity, knowledge and networks that support career development and create a legacy model for the COP’s youth inclusion processes. 

Registration for potential participants is currently open and closes on 16 December. The program is open to all young people in the UAE, including Emiratis and residents between the age of 18 to 35 years. Candidates should have strong communication skills and demonstrable experience or achievements in environmental-related fields or activities.

Interested youth applicants can register their interest to join the program at https://tinyurl.com/UAEYCDP. Short-listed candidates will be announced during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week in January 2023. UAE Minister of State for Youth