The COP28 conference kicked off with an inspiring and action-packed event that placed youth at the forefront of climate change and conservation efforts. The opening ceremony featured a series of ground-breaking initiatives spearheaded by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Emirates Nature-WWF, along with the enthusiastic participation of the Green Youth Majlis Committee. Among the standout activities was the launch of the Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition, an interactive escape room experience aimed at promoting environmental awareness and inspiring action for a greener future.
A Grand Inauguration with Visionary Leadership
The Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition was officially inaugurated at the Mamoura Complex in Abu Dhabi, kicking off the COP28 Youth Climate and Nature Series. Distinguished guests and thought leaders gathered for this momentous occasion, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to environmental sustainability during the Year of Sustainability.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of:
- HE Mohammed Ahmed Al Bowardi, Minister of State for Defence Affairs and Chairman of Emirates Nature-WWF.
- HE Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD.
- Ahmed Baharoon, Executive Director of Environmental Information Science and Outreach Management at EAD.
- Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF.
Each of these leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration, innovation, and youth leadership in tackling climate change and preserving biodiversity. The launch of the mangrove-themed escape room served as a powerful visual representation of the urgent need to protect nature, particularly the invaluable role of mangroves in carbon sequestration and coastal protection.
Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition – A Dynamic Learning Experience
At the heart of the event was the immersive Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition – a unique escape room experience created by EAD in collaboration with Emirates Nature-WWF and supported by ADNIC. This captivating, hands-on experience gave participants the chance to engage directly with critical climate change issues while learning about the vital role mangroves play in the global fight against climate change.
The Escape Room is a creative tool to educate and engage the public on the power of nature-based solutions to combat climate change. As participants navigated through the rooms, they discovered the critical role mangrove ecosystems play in:
- Sequestering Carbon: Mangroves absorb up to four times more carbon dioxide than tropical forests.
- Biodiversity Support: Mangroves provide habitat for endangered species like turtles, seabirds, and rays.
- Coastal Protection: Mangrove forests stabilize coastlines, reduce erosion, and provide resilience against sea-level rise and storm surges.
- Economic Benefits: Healthy mangroves help local communities by supporting fisheries and offering opportunities for eco-tourism.
“The Mangrove Edition escape room is a powerful way to teach the public about the importance of mangroves and their role in mitigating climate change,” said HE Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri during the event.
The Escape Room will continue its tour across the UAE throughout the Year of Sustainability, with the goal of inspiring individuals from all walks of life to take part in the global climate action movement.
The Green Youth Majlis – Empowering the Next Generation of Environmental Leaders
One of the standout features of the event was the Environmental Youth Talk, which featured passionate speeches and ideas from young environmental leaders. Among the prominent speakers was Erfan Firouzi, Biodiversity Storytelling Leader at the Green Youth Majlis Committee. Erfan, an active participant in UAE’s Green Youth Majlis, shared his insights on how storytelling can be a powerful tool to raise awareness about biodiversity conservation.
The Green Youth Majlis is a dynamic platform created by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi that empowers youth to take charge of environmental conservation. With over 250 members spanning 7 different Emirates, the committee focuses on a wide range of activities, such as:
- Raising Awareness: About the urgency of climate change and environmental degradation.
- Empowering Youth: Giving young people the skills, knowledge, and tools to lead sustainable initiatives.
- Promoting Innovation: Encouraging the development of new solutions to environmental challenges.
- Building Collaborative Networks: Bringing together diverse stakeholders to work on environmental solutions.
During the Youth Talk, Erfan shared how young people can use their voices and platforms to create meaningful change, highlighting his own experiences leading conservation projects and engaging communities in nature-based solutions. His focus on biodiversity storytelling as a means to engage people emotionally with environmental issues resonated deeply with the audience.
“Young people hold the key to our future. Through innovation, education, and grassroots action, we can create a sustainable world for future generations,” said Erfan during his speech.
The Green Youth Majlis focuses on several key areas, including biodiversity and climate action, sustainable resource management, and community engagement. The program empowers youth to participate in volunteer movements like Sahim and Leaders of Change, which are working to amplify the UAE’s sustainability efforts.
The National Tour of the Mangrove Escape Room
After its successful launch in Abu Dhabi, the Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition will continue its journey across the UAE, offering residents the opportunity to experience the innovative educational tool firsthand. The national tour aims to engage a wide range of participants, from school children and university students to professionals and local community members.
The Escape Room caravan will visit different cities and communities throughout the Year of Sustainability, creating a platform for public engagement with climate science and nature-based solutions. Participants will also be encouraged to join key volunteer programs, including Sahim and Leaders of Change, which are driving efforts to restore ecosystems and support climate mitigation and adaptation strategies across the UAE.
The Green Youth Majlis: A Model for Empowering the UAE’s Future Environmental Leaders
The Green Youth Majlis represents a core part of the UAE’s youth-led environmental movement. Its mission is to empower and inspire young people to make a positive impact in the conservation of nature. Through innovative outreach programs, competitions, and volunteer opportunities, the Green Youth Majlis is fostering a new generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
Key goals of the Green Youth Majlis include:
- Raising Awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability.
- Empowering Young Leaders with the tools and knowledge to lead climate action.
- Fostering Collaboration between youth groups, government agencies, and environmental organizations.
- Promoting Sustainable Practices across communities, schools, and universities.
A Shared Vision for a Greener Tomorrow
The launch of the Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition and the activities surrounding COP28 underscore the UAE’s dedication to creating a sustainable future where youth play a central role in the global movement for climate action. The collective efforts of EAD, Emirates Nature-WWF, and the Green Youth Majlis demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
“Our journey towards a sustainable future is a collective effort. Together, we can unlock the power of nature and harness the potential of youth to drive lasting change,” said Laila Mostafa Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature-WWF.
The youth are the change-makers of today, and with initiatives like these, they will continue to shape the world of tomorrow.
Get Involved and Make a Difference
As the Escape Climate Change: Mangrove Edition tours the UAE, residents are encouraged to participate in the experience and join the UAE’s largest volunteer movements for nature. Whether through hands-on activities, educational programs, or leadership initiatives, there are countless opportunities to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability goals.
To learn more about the Green Youth Majlis, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities, visit:
Together, we can forge a path towards a more sustainable, resilient, and greener future.
