Friday, 8 December, marked the sixth day of activities at the Pavilion of the League of Arab States, organised by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Meteorology. The event drew the participation of various specialised Arab organisations, civil society groups, and private sector companies. The day kicked off with a session organised by the General Secretariat in collaboration with a private sector company, focusing on "Unleashing Opportunities in the Middle East: Stimulating the Potential of Youth and Women in Climate Action."
The primary objective of this meeting was to underscore the significance of involving youth and gender perspectives in the formulation of climate-related policies. Emphasis was placed on the crucial role played by the energy and innovative solutions that young individuals and women can contribute across all domains. The session sought to showcase key initiatives and activities throughout the Arab region, serving as inspiration for governments and the private sector.
In addition, the Republic of Sudan hosted an event centred on education and youth. The session featured a presentation highlighting the intricate interplay between climate change, youth, and education. It delved into strategies for educating young people about mitigating and alleviating the impacts of climate change, offering insights that aimed to empower the youth with knowledge and skills in this crucial realm.
The Arab Centre for Studies of Dry Zones and Dry Lands orchestrated an event outlining ACSAD's vision for realising Arab food security amid the challenges posed by climate change. The session sought to rally Arab efforts towards enhancing adaptation to climate change, with the overarching goal of ensuring water and food security and achieving the sustainable development objectives pertinent to the Arab region.
In tandem with the League of Arab States' commitment to supporting youth, the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States hosted two events specifically for young individuals, focusing on their role in advancing climate action in the Arab world. These events encompassed various focal points, with a primary emphasis on heightening youth awareness regarding the significance of climate change issues. Additionally, the sessions aimed to inspire active youth participation in climate initiatives and foster the development of innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change.
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, in collaboration with the Arab Labour Organisation and the Arab Centre for Childhood and Development, held a dialogue session delving into the impact of climate change on child labour. Notable participants included Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Social Affairs Sector; Dr. Hassan Al-Beblawi, head of the Arab Centre for Childhood and Development; and Mr. Majid Al-Mutairi, President of the Arab Labour Organisation, alongside several prominent figures from the United Arab Emirates. The session addressed various topics, encompassing the reinforcement of child protection systems and work monitoring mechanisms to prevent and respond to child labour in the context of climate change.
Key discussion points included the expansion of social safety nets and programmes aimed at reducing poverty to support families affected by climate change. The dialogue also emphasised the importance of ensuring access to education, particularly for girls, and the development of emergency plans to sustain education during climate-related crises.
Concluding the day, the Arab Network for Environment and Development, known as "Raed," organised a dialogue session focusing on enhancing adaptation to climate change and implementing measures to mitigate its effects. The theme revolved around inclusiveness and sustainability, drawing on experiences from the Arab region. This session aligned with the League of Arab States' commitment to engaging civil society organisations in providing support for the adaptation and mitigation of climate change effects in the region.
