Arab Youth Centre Releases Report On Empowering Youth Voices In Climate Policy Engagement

The Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC), linked with the Arab Youth Centre, has released a report titled "Empowering Youth Voices in Arab Climate Policy." This report, created with the COP28 UAE Youth Climate Champion team, highlights the active role of Arab youth in climate action. It also identifies significant gaps in their involvement with climate policies.

In a related effort, the Council launched its first educational module called "Capacity Building Model: Understanding and Utilising Policy Reports." This module aims to boost youth engagement with climate policies by offering practical proposals to increase their participation across Arab countries. It focuses on enhancing involvement in Youth Climate Conferences.

Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, remarked on the report's potential impact. He stated, "This framework could unlock valuable potential in Arab Youth’s interaction with climate policy. By identifying key areas of development and taking actionable steps towards practical solutions, we can significantly enhance youth participation in climate policy throughout our region."

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Champion, stressed the importance of regional efforts. She said, "Arab youth are at the heart of the region’s future, bringing unparalleled energy and innovation to climate challenges facing us today. With two consecutive COPs hosted in our region, it was essential to channel their efforts into meaningful action."

The report is seen as a significant step toward addressing challenges faced by young people. Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui added that it provides a clear framework for unlocking youth potential in the region. She expressed confidence that by collaborating with regional stakeholders, young voices will lead real change within their communities.

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Head of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports and Egypt's Minister of Youth and Sports, highlighted the comprehensive framework's role in fostering synergy among cross-sectoral stakeholders. He noted that it demonstrates a genuine commitment to engaging youth meaningfully in advocating for climate solutions tailored to regional challenges.

Strengthening Intergenerational Cooperation

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy further emphasised the importance of strengthening intergenerational efforts to achieve shared climate goals. He suggested establishing permanent youth councils within climate bodies to ensure ongoing interaction and develop mentoring programmes that enhance cooperation between decision-makers and young advocates.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala from the League of Arab States commented on the strategic framework's potential impact on youth participation across the region. She stated that it enhances engagement by identifying key development areas and implementing actionable solutions.

Empowering Future Leaders

The Arab Youth Centre remains committed to empowering future climate leaders through initiatives like AYCCC and collaborations with key stakeholders across the region. The Centre aims to create an ecosystem where youth voices play a crucial role in shaping impactful climate policies.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala added that this report reflects a commitment to leveraging Arab youth's potential by empowering them with necessary information and knowledge for active roles in climate action.

With inputs from WAM