Emerging Leader attends first UN Youth Climate Summit

The United Nations (UN) has hosted the first UN Youth Climate Summit in New York to coincide with the UN Climate Action Summit 2019. 

Masdar employee Shaikha Al Hosani, who is part of Masdar’s learning and development programme, “Emerging Leaders – Inspiring Young Energy”, attended the youth summit, as part of the UAE youth delegation. 

“Masdar is invested in the UAE’s youth and has provided me with the opportunity to make a difference in the sustainability sector. I was privileged to attend the UN Youth Climate Summit and experience the world’s leaders listening to the concerns of youth and their requests for governments to take urgent climate action”, Al Hosani said.  

“The most important lesson I have learnt is that there is no ‘right path’ for addressing climate action. Everyone needs to show their commitment by starting with small actions that can gather traction for greater impact. We always have the opportunity to grow and make a difference and this is what makes me motivated to do my part for the environment”.  

The UN Youth Climate Summit began with an engaging discussion titled “Creating a sustainable future for youth” with representatives from Tuvalu and Canada. This was followed by the official opening of the summit and was attended by Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth, and His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. 

During the event, the UAE pledged to establish new youth advisory councils for energy and climate entities at the local level, organise national dialogue between government, youth and civil society, and open submissions for climate policy proposals from UAE youth to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. 

To further develop the knowledge of UAE youth, the UAE also promised to provide internships to youth with key players and pioneers in the climate action field, as well as  continue its efforts to educate youth on climate change and sustainability.

Masdar is supporting the development of the UAE’s youth through key learning and development programmes provided by its Human Capital department to employees, including the Emerging Leaders Programme and the Mentorship – Together for Success initiative. 

Masdar also hosts key strategic initiatives including its Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) platform and the Women in Sustainability, Environment and Renewable Energy (WiSER) platform’s Pioneers Programme, all of which are aimed to educate, engage and empower youth to become the next generation of leaders in sustainable development.

The UN Youth Climate Summit is a platform for young leaders who are driving climate action to showcase their solutions, and to engage with decision makers on the challenges of climate change and sustainable development. The youth gathering was the largest of its kind at the UN in its history. More than 7,000 applications were submitted by people aged 18-29 to attend, with only 500 selected to take part.