World’s largest youth climate conference (COY18) concludes in Dubai

Dubai- November 28, 2023: The United Nations Youth Conference (COY18) on Tuesday concluded in Dubai with youths, researchers and academicians from across the world discussing crucial issues on combating climate challenges.

The 18th edition of the COY18, which took place at the EXPO City Dubai from November 26, was held in the lead-up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28). The COP28 is taking place from November 30 to December 12 at EXPO City Dubai.

Around 800 participants, mostly youths, from 165 countries, engaged in interactive sessions, workshops, and roundtable discussions on crucial topics that can enhance international climate change policies.

These young people who took part in COY18 have also contributed to the Global Youth Statement, which is a collective statement representing the perspectives of youth from around the world that will be presented to decision-makers at COP28.

The COP28 Global Youth Statement brings together more than 700,000 inputs and voices of young people from 150 countries around the world. The Global Youth Statement represents children and young people’s landmark call to action for world leaders to step up to the existential challenge and seize the opportunity for course correction.

In her keynote speech, H.E Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development, COP28 Youth Climate Champion and Deputy Chair of the Arab Youth Center said: “The Global Youth Statement we have received today from youth is the best example of how we should live our lives forever.

“This Global Youth Statement is the fruit of collaboration of over 750,000 young people from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs from around the world. We found a common ground, and turned corrosive attention to respect towards one another.

“This is the kind of unity and inclusion we needed to propel climate action.”

H.E Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 applauded the great job done by the young people for creating the Global Youth Statement.

“As a high level champion for climate change, I pledge to push this Global Youth Statement to greater heights,” she said.

“Climate change challenges are affecting almost half of the world population. We need to work together to tackle the challenges of climate change through protecting nature. We should also ensure that we empower the youth.”

Ina Parvanova, director of communication and engagement at UNFCCC said the young people will have the opportunity to showcase the Global Youth Statement to decision-makers at COP28.

Dr. Omnia ElOmrani, COP27 President Youth Envoy encouraged people to make COP28 a beacon of hope for tangible actions against climate change challenges.

Dr. Felipe Paullier of Uruguay – Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs at UN said: “We can only succeed by working together to accelerate policies and measures that can help tackle climate challenges.

“Supporting young people with knowledge, skills, tools and resources that can help them in their collective efforts for climate action is critical.”

The three-day event had 75 sessions, 233 speakers, 79 knowledge partners, 68 artists, 15 activations and 18 sponsors.

COY18 serves as a platform for climate advocacy, capacity building and policy development training to prepare the youth for their participation in international climate discussions and events.

The three-day conference was organised by the Arab Youth Center, The American University of Sharjah (AUS), and New York University Abu Dhabi’s Green House.

The conference offered the youth an opportunity to discuss and support intergovernmental climate change policies and promote change at the local and international levels.

Organized by the Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (YOUNGO, UNFCCC), the event is in line with the work of the global network of children and youth activists and non-governmental organizations shaping  international climate change policies and formally representing youth concerns in UNFCCC processes.