In collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority’s (DEWA) Youth Council, the Dubai Youth Council has orchestrated a Youth Circle focused on the theme ‘Towards a Sustainable Future.’ The event centered on discussions concerning environmental sustainability, the crucial role of global cooperation, and the upcoming COP28 conference in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Among the topics explored was the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050’s objectives, which aim to transform Dubai into a smart and sustainable global city. The Youth Circle saw the participation of prominent figures including Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA; and Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the Supreme Legislation Committee (SLC). Additionally, youth council members from both public and private sectors, along with the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for COP28, were actively involved.
The event underscores the Dubai Government’s commitment to nurturing the youth in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council. The goal is to engage the youth in constructing a sustainable world using science, knowledge, and innovation.
Recognizing the significance of environmental preservation, the UAE has declared 2023 as the Year of Sustainability. As the host of COP28, the UAE exemplifies its dedication to international collaboration in tackling climate challenges. The involvement of young individuals in generating unique solutions for climate-related issues is of utmost importance.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted the pivotal role of youth in realizing sustainability goals. He stressed the UAE’s pioneering endeavors in climate change mitigation, specifically its ambitious Net-Zero emissions target by 2050. Al Tayer reiterated Dubai’s commitment to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, aiming for 100 percent clean energy utilization by 2050, alongside notable renewable projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Ahmad Saeed bin Meshar Al Muhairi, Secretary General of SLC, emphasized the significance of empowering youth in climate action. The Youth Circle served as a platform for collaboration, shedding light on legislative approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
The event’s comprehensive program included workshops by various councils, addressing issues such as environmental degradation and the role of legislative solutions. Notably, 3DXB GROUP highlighted the future of the construction sector, particularly the expansion of 3D printing technologies to advance the sector’s transformation.
The President of the Dubai Youth Council, Hasan Sabt, commended the engagement between youth and decision-makers, echoing the importance of involving youth in climate work and fostering practical climate solutions. The Youth Circles initiative, endorsed by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to encourage youth-focused dialogue and innovative problem-solving.
Furthermore, the formation of the Dubai Youth Council for 2023-2025 underscores the commitment of the leadership to ensure youth representation in decision-making, thereby enabling them to contribute to a more prosperous future.