Group picture of SYND-Ghana & UAE Embassy Team
Story by: Environmental News Desk
To foster collaborations ahead of the Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 28 (COP28), a proactive and result-oriented youth-led Non-governmental Organisation in the climate space, Strategic Youth Network for Development-Ghana (SYND-Ghana) led by its Executive Coordinator, Chibeze Ezekiel has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Embassy in Ghana.
The meeting which took place on 1st August, 2023 marked an essential step in strengthening partnerships and promoting climate change initiatives ahead of the highly anticipated COP28 Summit in Dubai.
Welcoming the SYND team to the Embassy, the UAE Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Amer Jamil Ghanem Ali Alalawi expressed his pleasure at the visit and shared valuable insights on some of the steps the UAE is taking in addressing the fight against climate change.
A primary focus of the meeting was youth engagement in activities related to COP28 as well as recognizing the pivotal role of young people in shaping the future of the planet.
In this regard, SYND Ghana and the UAE Embassy emphasized the importance of including youth voices in climate change actions and decision-making processes.
Miss. Patience Agyekum, the Head of the Climate Change Programme and Policy Team Lead at SYND Ghana
Delivering a comprehensive presentation, Miss. Patience Agyekum, the Head of the Climate Change Programme and Policy Team Lead at SYND Ghana outlined SYND’s four main programme areas namely: Climate Change, Energy Access, Biodiversity, and Forestry.
In furtherance, Miss Agyekum highlighted various ongoing and pipeline projects under each programme area, with a special emphasis on two initiatives – the “Road2COP” webinar series and the “Pre-COP National Youth Summit.”
She pointed out that, the “Road2COP” webinar series has been an instrumental platform for disseminating knowledge and raising awareness about climate change issues among diverse audiences.
The Webinar series which has been running for the past three years, she indicated has successfully engaged stakeholders on critical issues such as loss and damage, climate finance, just energy transition, and food sovereignty among others.
COP28: SYND Ghana Calls on UAE Embassy in Ghana to Foster Climate Change Collaborations
Meanwhile, the Annual “Pre-COP National Youth Summit,” creates space for young climate advocates to engage directly with Ghana’s Climate Change Negotiators to understand the COP processes and the expectations from the conference.
The meeting also provides a platform for young people to share their views and contribute to the discourse on climate solutions.
“By providing them with essential knowledge, and networking opportunities, the summit enables youth to be effective agents of change in the fight against climate change”, she reiterated.
Mr. Amer Jamil Ghanem Ali Alalawi, UAE Ambassador to Ghana
On his part, Mikdad Mohammed, the Political and Economic Analyst at the UAE Embassy, expressed his admiration and appreciation for SYND Ghana’s impactful work.
Therefore he praised the organization’s commitment to addressing climate change and its dedication to nurturing the youth’s potential as vital climate champions.
In response, Chibeze Ezekiel expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate change on a global scale. He stressed the significance of involving the youth, as they hold the key to a sustainable future.
The meeting concluded on a high note with some key steps or proposed actions that will foster meaningful collaborations and strengthen the involvement of youth in climate action.
SYND-GHANA Executive Coordinator, Chibeze Ezekiel
Chibeze Ezekiel on behalf of SYND Ghana presented some publications including a Newsletter to the Ambassador.
The UAE will host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, at Expo City Dubai to unite the world towards agreement on bold, practical, and ambitious solutions to the most pressing global challenge of our time.
This year’s themes which are new for COPs: Health / Relief, Recovery, and Peace aim to boost policies and investment that protect lives and livelihoods and support community resilience and stability.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
