World Green Economy Summit discusses role of youth in climate change

The United Nations recognises the key role that youth play in tackling climate change and works closely with youth-led  organisations  to empower them to take actions and participate in climate change policy decision-making processes.

In lieu of this, the second day of World Green Economy Summit (WGES) held in Dubai featured different panel discussions with experts and thought-leaders to discuss the importance of the youth in implemented climate action and the necessary solutions to reach the UAE net-zero in 2050. 

More than 150 young people from across the region took part in the conference, in addition to 30 speakers who are experts, specialists and VIPs. The two-day conference discussed a range of topics related to the skill development of young people in global climate policies, ways to empower them, make their voices heard in climate action policies and the role of the government in supporting them.

The panel topic – ‘How youth activism is moving the needle on climate change’, discussed ways to empower the youth to play an influential role in building a sustainable future, accelerating the transition to renewable energy, and creating positive change in society. An audience-led town hall debate showcased how the next generation are mobilising as a collective entity and voice and how to effectively tap the potential of youth to tackle global sustainability issues.

Speakers at the World Green Economy Summit discussed the role of youth in climate change, says to empower them and the role of government in supporting them@WGESummit @DEWAOfficial #worldgreeneconomysummit pic.twitter.com/1dcsgZFiJ5

— Gulf Business (@GulfBusiness) September 29, 2022

The speakers participating in the session praised DEWA’s efforts to actively involve the youth in achieving the sustainable development goals and convert them into promising programmes.

Aysha Mohammad Alremeithi, Youth Council president & deputy manager, Innovation Ecosystem – Solar Innovation Centre, DEWA said, “With the support of the top management, DEWA’s Youth Council works to provide a motivating positive environment that helps to unleash the energies and capabilities of young people to be a major supporter of DEWA’s excellence and leadership. The Council also creates communication bridges with other youth councils across the UAE to raise awareness about the role of clean and renewable energy in achieving sustainable development.”

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, vice chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of DEWA and chairman of WGEO said, “Inspired by the vision and directives of our wise leadership to empower young people and involve them in decision-making and sustainable development efforts, DEWA believes in the pivotal role of the youth in national work, especially in climate action. This supports the ambitious goals of the UAE Centennial 2071; the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050.”

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority & Chairman of the World Green Economy Summit (WGES) and Chairman of the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) giving his keynote speech at the #worldgreeneconomysummit@DEWAOfficial @WGESummit pic.twitter.com/vBAXwmTSsN

— Gulf Business (@GulfBusiness) September 29, 2022

Al Tayer also explained that DEWA is one of the largest government organisations that is keen on recruiting, qualifying, and developing national youth calibre. The number of young employees at DEWA is 3,464, representing 30.9 per cent of the total number of employees.

“DEWA strives to invest in the potential of youth and provide an interactive forum to empower and engage them in anticipating and shaping the future as well as achieving sustainable development. DEWA attaches great importance to supporting its Youth Council and its role in creating communication bridges with other youth councils across the UAE,” concluded Al Tayer.

The 8th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) was organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) and the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, in collaboration with several international organisations. The Summit brought together experts, officials and ministers from several countries to drive the global sustainability agenda.

 

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Some other major topics discussed on day two were; Dubai’s net-zero strategy, sustainability in the kingdom of Bahrain, adoption of hydrogen as the fuel of the future. The session also saw the launch of a new landmark study on priorities for the hydrogen industry, drawing on the UAE-UK clean hydrogen collaboration.

The #worldgreeneconomysummit saw the launch of a new landmark study on priorities for the hydrogen industry, drawing on the UAE-UK Clean Hydrogen Collaboration.@WGESummit @DEWAOfficial #hydrogen #cleanenergy #greenenergy #uk #uae

Speaker- Abdulrahim Sultan, Director @wgeoorg pic.twitter.com/7SYmNUYN6I

— Gulf Business (@GulfBusiness) September 29, 2022