Emirates Nature-WWF urges youth and public to lead the change at COP28 and beyond; announces exciting lineup of events open to civil society

Abu Dhabi/Dubai, 2 December 2023: Leading environmental charity Emirates Nature-WWF recognizes the vital importance of engaging all sectors of society – including members of the public, youth and local communities – to drive transformative impact and lasting change for people and planet.  The charity has announced an exciting lineup of events and activations at COP28, designed to inspire and mobilize civil society to participate in nature conservation and citizen science, and lead the change towards a sustainable future.

Hosted by the UAE and taking place at Expo City Dubai, the UN climate change conference COP28 presents an excellent opportunity to raise awareness around the pressing environmental issues of climate change and nature loss, and spark increased civil society participation in the UAE. The events and activations organized by Emirates Nature-WWF, in collaboration with esteemed partners, create opportunities for youth and public to connect with nature, expand their knowledge and utilize tools and digital apps to drive positive impact on-the-ground.  

“The responsibility to tackle climate change and build a sustainable future rests with every one of us. Through our community engagement programmes at Emirates Nature-WWF, we have seen thousands of individuals and youth in the UAE step up and take action for nature. I am optimistic that COP28 will inspire even more minds, hearts and hands across the UAE – and the world – to be part of the solution and make a positive impact for people and planet,” commented Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General, Emirates Nature-WWF.

The charity has drawn from its rich legacy of community engagement and outreach programmes, weaving in elements from Leaders of Change – its community of over 4,000 changemakers who train, ideate and act for nature, as well as youth movement Connect with Nature. Developed in collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), Connect with Nature reconnects youth nature and equips them with the skills necessary to become sustainable leaders of tomorrow. 

In the lead up to COP28, Emirates Nature-WWF and EAD have joined forces to create innovative out-of-the-box experiences that capture the interest of UAE youth and rally a sense of societal responsibility and action for nature. Under the umbrella of the Youth Legacy for COP28 community engagement strategy, the organizations developed the flagship activation for the Year of Sustainability and COP28 – the “Escape Climate Change – Mangrove Edition’ escape room, which enables participants to physically experience the science behind climate change. The escape room will be a key feature at COP28, running for the entire duration of the conference – from 30 November to 12 December 2023. 

In alignment with the vision of ensuring full inclusivity at COP28, Emirates Nature-WWF and EAD have launched several initiatives to shine the spotlight on inspiring young gamechangers.

‘Youth Insiders’ brings together young industry professionals who are already working to advance green solutions in the UAE, and provides a platform for insights, innovations and solutions to be shared at  events including COP28. In addition, the youth Ambassadors for Nature initiative – organized by Connect with Nature – upskills and mentors ten promising students and youth in leadership and environmental advocacy, and supports them in mobilizing UAE youth to explore, study and protect nature. Youth Insiders and Ambassadors for Nature will represent the youth voice and share their innovations and solutions in the lead up to, during and post COP28.

Youth and the public are invited to attend the following events and activations organized by Emirates Nature-WWF and key partners in the Green Zone at COP28, Expo City Dubai. The Escape Room- Mangrove Edition is currently seeking volunteers to help out behind-the scenes. Interested individuals call sign up to volunteer at https://www.leadersofchange.ae/events/115. 

• Escape Climate Change – Mangrove Edition escape room
  Ongoing throughout COP28, 3rd December – 12 December
  Location: Al Forsan Park
  Experience the science behind climate adaptation in this immersive escape room, which has been touring the nation in the Year of Sustainability and is making its final stop at COP28.
• Gift for Nature
  Ongoing throughout COP28, 30 November – 12 December
  Location: Al Forsan Park
  Write a love letter to nature, thanking nature for everything she provides us. Then, turn the letter into a plant pot and plant a Shua seed in it. The love letter will soon be transferred to the mountains of the UAE, as part of our wider reforestation efforts.
• Youth Igniting Action
  1:15pm – 2:15pm, 9 December
  Location: Greening Education Hub
  Hear from UAE’s ‘Youth Insiders’ in this dynamic roundtable discussion where youth leaders and gamechangers will present findings and solutions to the climate-nature crisis.
• Notice Nature (Bio Blitz) – A Leaders of Change activation
  2:00pm – 3:00pm, 10 December
  Location: Main Stage, Extreme Hangout, Al Forsan Park
  Be part of the exciting launch of “Notice Nature” – a nationwide effort to map UAE’s unique biodiversity, and join us for Bio Blitz - an urban biodiversity survey of the COP28 site.

Having inspired numerous youth groups and decisionmakers at events on the Road to COP28, our Youth Insiders and Ambassadors for Nature have also been invited speak and participate in panel discussions organized by leading organizations on COP28 Youth Children, Education and Skills day, which falls on 8 December. These events include: 

• Empowering Youth: A New Wave of Green Leaders by Schneider Electric
  1:00pm to 3:00pm, 8 December
  Booth 105, Technology & Innovation Hub 1
  Discover the kinds of initiatives and commitments that can support youth climate action and lead the next wave of digital transformations, at this panel discussion, organized as part of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Circle
• The RewirEd Summit by Dubai Cares
  4:15pm- 5:00pm 8 December
  Location: Conference Connect Center
  Climate actors and educators, senior leaders from Dubai Cares and Youth Insiders will discuss cross-industry solutions for climate and nature at this invite-only event.
• Community & Public Engagement by University Climate Network
  2:45pm -3:30pm, 8 December
  Location: DP World Majlis, Level 5, Green Zone
  at this invite-only event.
  Learn about the unique role the academic community can play through evidence-based public engagement on climate change, at this panel discussion organized by the New York University Abu Dhabi.

Register now to secure a spot at the Green Zone, COP28 and at the above events:

1. Register for the Green Zone at the official COP28 website - https://www.cop28.com/ 

2. Register for Emirates Nature-WWF events at – https://www.emiratesnaturewwf.ae/en/cop28