Arab Youth Centre launches ‘Empowering Youth Voices in Arab Climate Policy’ report

emirates7 - The Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC), part of the Arab Youth Centre, has released a detailed report titled *"Empowering Youth Voices in Arab Climate Policy"* in collaboration with the COP28 UAE Youth Climate Champion team.

The report highlights the dynamic role of Arab youth in climate action while addressing significant gaps in their involvement with climate policies. It aims to enhance youth participation and establish a collaborative platform for young climate experts to engage directly with regional policymakers.

As part of its efforts, the Council also launched its first educational module, *"Capacity Building Model: Understanding and Utilising Policy Reports,"* to improve youth interaction with climate policies. This module provides actionable proposals to increase youth participation across Arab nations, focusing particularly on strategies to amplify their roles in Youth Climate Conferences.

Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Arab Youth Centre, remarked, “This framework has the potential to significantly boost Arab youth’s engagement in climate policy. By pinpointing areas for development and taking practical steps, we can greatly enhance youth involvement across the region.”

Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of Community Development and COP28 Youth Climate Champion, added, “Arab youth are vital to shaping the region's future, bringing unmatched energy and innovation to address today’s climate challenges. With two consecutive COPs hosted in the region, it’s essential to channel their contributions into meaningful action. This report is a major milestone in tackling the obstacles they face and provides a clear path for unlocking their immense potential. By collaborating with regional stakeholders, we’re confident their voices will drive impactful change in their communities.”

Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Head of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports and Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral support, noting that the report outlines a highly synergized ecosystem for youth engagement. He highlighted the value of establishing permanent youth councils within climate bodies and developing intergenerational mentoring programs to enhance cooperation and knowledge exchange between policymakers and young advocates.

Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazala, Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States, commented, “The report’s strategic framework has the potential to revolutionize youth participation in climate policies across the Arab world. It underscores our commitment to empowering Arab youth with the knowledge and resources necessary for meaningful engagement in climate action.”

The Arab Youth Centre continues to prioritize empowering the next generation of climate leaders. Through initiatives like the AYCCC and partnerships with key stakeholders, the Centre aims to an environment where youth voices play a central role in shaping and implementing impactful climate policies.