Empowering Youth for Climate-Resilience: An Intergenerational Dialogue

19 November 2024 15:30 - 16:45

The Education Above All Foundation (EAA), on behalf of the State of Qatar, and in collaboration with British Council propose to host a side event during Food, Agriculture and Water Day of the UN’s COP29 Conference on 19th November at the Qatar Pavilion in the COP29 Blue Zone in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Empowering youth with the skills and knowledge to build climate resilience is essential in the face of growing environmental challenges. Effective climate education not only equips young people with the tools to understand and address climate impacts, but also positions them as leaders in driving climate-resilient solutions for their communities. This education must integrate social, economic, and environmental dimensions, ensuring that youth are prepared to confront the inequities and vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change.

There is an urgent need to deepen and broaden the reach of climate education across regions, particularly in vulnerable countries. A holistic approach to learning is required—one that supports youth in both formal and informal settings, encouraging critical reflection and the unlearning of unsustainable practices. Such an approach must empower youth to engage meaningfully in local climate action.

EAA, through its ROTA Programme, is committed to ensuring that education serves as a powerful tool for climate resilience, particularly in regions where youth face significant barriers to accessing quality education. ROTA-EAA’s partnership with British Council exemplifies our dedication to addressing these challenges through tailored, context-specific climate education initiatives. Through this commitment, ROTA-EAA seeks to empower youth as active participants and innovators in the effort to build climate resilience and secure a sustainable future for all.

Objectives

• To host an informative and impactful partnership-focused event that aligns with the objectives of the COP29’s Food, Agriculture and Water Day (19th November).
• To showcase achievements of organisations supporting youth-led community-based climate actions
• To inspire and empower youth to take an active role in transforming communities through climate action, thereby contributing to resilience, food security, and sustainable development.

Join us for an engaging event showcasing how Education for Climate Action focused projects empower youth to lead climate initiatives that contribute to green communities and sustainable development. Through an interactive panel discussion, discover practical approaches to fostering food security and climate resilience. This event is unique because it directly engages youth from marginalised and climate-affected communities, providing them with a platform to showcase their work and learn from global best practices. The event emphasises practical action and peer learning, ensuring tangible outcomes.

Speakers

• Welcoming Comments: Mr. Abdulla Al-Abdulla, ROTA Executive Director, Education Above All
• Keynote Address: Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary for Climate Change Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, State of Qatar

Panellists

• Dr. Md. Golam Rabbani, Head of Secretariat, Climate Bridge Fund, BRAC
• Ms. Sadia Rahman, Head of Non-Formal Education, South Asia, British Council
• Ms. Foluyinka Fakoya, Advocacy and Public Policy Specialist, Global Partnership for Education
• Ms. Amna Batool, Focal Person, Pakistan Green Youth Movement
• Mr. Seme Luate Cons Lomoro, Youth Leader, Global Partnership for Education (GPE)

Closing

• Closing Comments: Ms. Farida, Ally, Youth Advisory Board Member, EAA-OHCHR
• Moderator: Mr. Oweis Al Salahi, Youth Advocate, Education Above All