Saturday, Sep 24, 2016

New York: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment hosted a Youth Circle in New York for UAE youths and international students studying in the United States. The event was held as part of ‘Youth Circles,’ an initiative of the Emirates Youth Council, and builds on the success of the Youth Circle organised by the ministry and the role of youth in Sharjah on August 11, 2016.

The event titled ‘Sustainability: Our Shared Responsibility’ was held on the sidelines of the 71st United Nations General Assembly in which the UAE is participating.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, spoke to the attendees about what sustainability means for the UAE as well as the country’s pioneering initiatives in the field. Majid Al Suwaidi, UAE’s Consul General to New York was among the attendees.

During the event, the attendees interacted and discussed issues related to sustainability and raising awareness and communicating with all segments of society. They also shared their ideas on achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda adopted globally in September 2015.

“The journey towards sustainable development is multidimensional, and we must address economic, social and environmental factors simultaneously,” Dr Al Zeyoudi told the attendees. He added that sustainability has long been ingrained in the UAE culture — a culture that gives importance to the preservation of resources, protection of the environment and embracing sustainable living.

The UAE is on track to achieving the 17 goals and 169 targets that underpin the 2030 Agenda, guided by national strategies such as the UAE Vision 2021 and through innovative projects such as the Masdar initiative and the 5,000-MW Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The UAE also provides extensive support to other developing countries, such as through renewable energy projects that help them to improve their livelihoods and achieve SDGs.

Dr Al Zeyoudi emphasised the important role that the youth play in this regard. “Your actions today will shape the world we live in for many years to come and I urge you be responsible players in the global community in realising a sustainable future for all,” he said.

Shamma Bint Suhail Al Mazroui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, praised the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s role in developing the knowledge and skills of youths, wherever they may be, when it comes to environmental issues that are crucial to the UAE and preparing them to become innovative and active players in UAE’s efforts towards a sustainable future.

She said: “The youth are highly capable of investing their efforts and skills in innovative solutions that align with the global efforts to combat climate change. They play a crucial role in supporting initiatives that develop effective solutions and can be actively involved in local, regional and global decision-making. Today, more than ever, the youth are responsible for sustaining a more prosperous future and combating challenges that the earth is facing due to climate change.

“Youth Circles proved to be the ultimate platform to engage with youth locally and internationally.”

At the end of the event, attendees were encouraged to take a pledge to carry out their responsibility as global citizens, locally in the UAE, and abroad, by taking actions in their immediate circles and through media platforms.

The Emirates Youth Council oversees the Youth Circles, which are organised in various emirates and across the world. They provide a platform for the integration of youth in different fields that impact the future of the country by allowing them to express their thoughts and discuss best practices.

Staff Report

Gulf News 2016. All rights reserved.