Hosted by American University of Sharjah (AUS), the Global Conference of Youth (COY18), the most extensive youth conference dedicated to multilateral UN climate processes, kicks off its activities today, November 26, fostering global youth engagement and discourse on critical climate issues.
Along with co-hosts New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) the Arab Youth Center, the annual conference is held until November 28 under the observance of YOUNGO, the official children and youth constituency to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It emphasizes the imperative of engaging and empowering the younger generation in the pursuit of sustainable solutions as the world gears up for the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) taking place November 30 to December 12 in Dubai.
“The involvement of youth in climate change action is not symbolic but instrumental in driving meaningful change and fostering a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. The centrality of youth in this context becomes a catalyst for innovation, advocacy and a more inclusive approach towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change,” said student Jahnavi Doshi, AUS’ lead representative in the COY18 Steering Committee and scope lead in media and communications.
She added: “As students representing AUS, we take immense pride in our role on the global stage, actively contributing to the development of climate change policies aligned with the UNFCCC.”
Participants in COY18 will be contributing 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 هn COP28.
They will also be creating on-ground campaigns, and brainstorming climate solutions and initiatives; networking through roundtable discussions, focus groups, fun activities and bilateral meetings with decision-makers; and building capacity through workshops, training, courses, and plenary sessions on negotiations, leadership, policy, fundraising, media training and advocacy.
