Sustainability Week sees youth setting the tone

NATIONAL EXPERTS PROGRAMME CADRES OUTLINE VISION

Fellows of the National Experts Programme (NEP) have spoken of how the initiative has equipped them to help drive change as they continue putting their skills and knowledge into practice at this week’s Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

With the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) taking place in the UAE this year, the 2023 edition of ADSW features a range of high-level sessions on key priorities for sustainable development, driving discussion and debate ahead of COP28.

Among the industry professionals, experts, policymakers and leaders that have gathered in Abu Dhabi are three experienced Emiratis who have graduated from NEP. Developed under the direction of President His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, NEP fosters the development of UAE-based sector leaders who will help shape the country’s future.

Omar Al Braiki,

Head of Negotiations at the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change and NEP 2.0 Fellow, joined the UAE delegation to COP27 last November. He highlighted that ADSW is a key bridge-building event to carry on the outcomes of COP27 in Egypt and to raise awareness on important climate change issues ahead of COP28.

“[ADSW] is a key event on the calendar as we gear up for COP28, especially as it is the most important sustainability event since Egypt hosted COP27,” he said.

“The UAE delegation is supporting the ADSW team as we want to maximise this opportunity to build momentum for COP28 and learn from the wide range of discussions between government officials, private sector leaders and civil society on finding a practical way forward that showcases solutions for all,” he added.

Broad platform

Describing NEP, having specialised in the Sustainability and Renewables sector, Al Braiki said: “Not only did the programme broaden my knowledge and skills, but it was a platform that connected me with experts and influential leaders from across the world, which played a key role in growing my expertise.”

Ali Al Shimmari, International Assets Manager for GCC region at TAQA and NEP 2.0 Fellow from the Energy and Economy sector, offered his expertise during a panel discussion titled ‘Empowering Youth Participation in Climate Decision Making’ at ADSW. He shared insights from his experience at COP27 as part of the TAQA delegation.

He said: “As national experts, we play a vital role as ambassadors of the UAE by representing our sectors and showcasing the crucial role these sectors will play in contributing to the UAE’s economic growth, in turn achieving the nation’s

goals.”

Meera Al Mheiri, a senior inspection engineer at the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and a Fellow of NEP 2.0, joined the panel discussion with Al Shimmari on involving youth in climate change decision making. As the first Emirati to serve as a Nuclear Safety Inspector in the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Meera plans to use her presence at ADSW to inspire future generations.

Key participants

She said: “The UAE Government has emphasised how important sustainability is across different sectors and has integrated sustainability into its plans, strategies, policies and programme. When it comes to educating youth, we need to give them the right knowledge and right guidance to continue the legacy of our leadership, who are making great strides in tackling climate change.”

She added: “Events such as ADSW are key in raising awareness for young people.”