Ambassador Hazza AlQahtani and the Youth at the Youth Climate Dialogue 4th Edition in Kigali
HE. Hazza AlQahtani, Ambassador of United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Rwanda, today addressed the Youth at the Youth Climate Dialogue 4th Edition in Kigali and encouraged them to come forward and collaborate, to face the greatest challenge of climate change our generation has ever faced. Read his Speech below:
It’s an honor and a privilege to be here with you today. I come to you on behalf of the COP28 Presidency, recognizing the pivotal role you – the youth of Rwanda – play in charting our world’s future.
Ambassador Hazza AlQahtani delivering his remarks
Having once been a young diplomat and negotiator myself, I understand the challenges and the opportunities you face. And yet, despite the critical importance of your role, it is seldom given the weight it truly deserves.
This, I must say, is unfortunate. We live in a time where young people, just like you, are the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The facts are stark.
A child born in 2020 is predicted to face more fires, more droughts, more floods, and more heat waves than one born in 1960.
However, there is light amidst the gloom. You, the youth of Rwanda, are quicker to adapt and are embracing the technological revolution with open arms. From smart apps that bring us together to the innovative applications of renewable energy – you hold the key to transformational change. Our task, then, is to arm you with the skills you need to combat climate change.
Over the past few months, the UAE COP28 presidency team such as H.E. Majid Al Suwaidi, the Director General and Special Representative to the COP28, President Designate met with young people from all corners of the world, including the bright minds here in Rwanda.
During the meeting
They tell us we need to do more. More to remove the barriers to climate action, and more to address systemic inequalities. This applies not just to international platforms, but to local ones too.
In addition, this is why the COP28 Presidency is working tirelessly to amplify the voices of young people.
We have appointed H.E Shamma al Mazrui as a Youth Climate Champion, a testament to our commitment to you. Shamma leads consultations with young people globally, ensuring that your voices echo in the corridors of power. This year, we hope to witness the most impactful Conference of Young People (COY) yet.
We are striving to ensure that each delegation includes at least one young representative, and we have launched the Youth Delegate’s Program to boost this initiative. In fact, one of the 100 COP28 International Youth Climate Delegate Program member is from Rwanda, Ms. Deborah Mukundwa, I believe is also here with us today.
Now, you might wonder, “What is it that we can do?” We need you to be active participants. We need young negotiators, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, journalists, and activists.
We need you, the youth of Rwanda, to come forward and collaborate, to face the greatest challenge our generation has ever faced.
Mobilizing for the most inclusive COP is one of the key priorities of COP28.
Exchanging with Christina Liesegang from the Germany Embassy in Kigali
Briefly, the other three key priorities of COP28 are:
– Fast tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030. COP28 presents an opportunity to fast track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future, while rapidly decarbonizing the energy system of today to keep 1.5°C within reach.
– Deliver old promises and set the framework for a new deal on finance. If we are to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, emerging and developing countries need access to investment.
Climate finance arrangements need to transform to deliver at this scale, to work better as a system and support finance mobilization directed to developing countries at unprecedented levels.
– Put nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action. The COP28 outcomes on adaptation and loss and damage will aim to advance real action towards building resilience and contributing to sustainable development, including by driving enhanced adaptation finance.
Therefore, I urge you, join us. Join us as young people passionate about climate action. Join us as future leaders ready to steer the ship. Together, we can make COP28 the most youth-centric, the most successful conference to date.
I thank you again for giving me the opportunity to speak. I am eager to hear your thoughts and see your actions for a sustainable future. Thank you. (End)