In 2023, the 18th Conference of Youth (COY18) unfolded as a pivotal gathering for young climate leaders, hosted for the first time in the United Arab Emirates. As a flagship youth event preceding COP28, COY18 offered a dynamic platform for young advocates to drive discussions on climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. Among the standout contributors was Erfan Firouzi, representing UAE youth with a powerful call to action and a vision for global sustainability.
Firouzi’s participation at COY18 was marked by inspiring speeches, impactful discussions, and the presentation of Sustainable Sands, an educational game co-developed with fellow UAE delegates Majed Bin Saad and Saif Mubarak Alameri. His contributions underscored the vital role of youth in shaping global environmental strategies and fostering innovative solutions.
What is COY18?
The Conference of Youth (COY) is the official youth event of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), organized annually by YOUNGO, its youth constituency. COY serves as a global platform for youth leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on actionable solutions to combat the climate crisis.
In 2023, the 18th edition of COY was hosted in the UAE, a nation recognized for its bold environmental commitments and leadership in sustainability. The event convened over 1,500 youth participants from more than 120 countries, focusing on the theme “Empowering Youth for Climate Action.”
COY18 culminated in the creation of the Global Youth Statement, a comprehensive document reflecting the priorities and recommendations of young people worldwide, presented to global leaders at COP28.
Erfan Firouzi: Representing UAE Youth at COY18
As a UAE delegate, Erfan Firouzi took center stage at COY18, sharing his journey as a biodiversity advocate and delivering a powerful message about the need for immediate action. His contributions highlighted the UAE’s leadership in sustainability and showcased the innovative solutions being developed by its youth.
1. A Call to Action: Youth as Drivers of Change
In his address, Firouzi emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping the future of the planet.
Key Message:
“Young people must have their voices heard at all times. We cannot be passive participants in the conversations about our future. We must get active and create the future the way we want it.”
Firouzi urged attendees to recognize their potential to drive transformative change, calling for bold action and collaboration to tackle the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
2. Showcasing UAE Leadership
Firouzi highlighted the UAE’s commitment to sustainability, from renewable energy projects like Masdar to biodiversity conservation efforts such as the reintroduction of the Arabian Oryx.
- He framed the UAE as a model for integrating innovative technologies and youth-led initiatives into national climate strategies.
- Firouzi’s participation symbolized the UAE’s dedication to amplifying young voices in global climate dialogues.
3. Empowering Action
Firouzi concluded his address with a rallying cry for youth to take ownership of their future:
“We now know what to do! All we need is the will to do so. We have great power—what we do with this power is our choice. Let’s take the pen and write a more sustainable future.”
Presenting Sustainable Sands: A Game-Changing Educational Tool
A highlight of Firouzi’s participation at COY18 was the workshop he co-led with Majed Bin Saad and Saif Mubarak Alameri, where they introduced Sustainable Sands, an interactive educational game designed to inspire action on sustainability.
What is Sustainable Sands?
Sustainable Sands is a unique educational game that simulates real-world sustainability challenges, encouraging players to balance environmental conservation, social equity, and economic growth.
Key Features:
- Interactive Gameplay: Players are tasked with making decisions that impact ecosystems, communities, and resources, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
- Real-World Scenarios: Topics include biodiversity restoration, climate adaptation, renewable energy, and sustainable urban planning.
- Scalable Impact: The game is designed to be accessible to schools, communities, and international forums, making sustainability education engaging and actionable.
The Workshop at COY18
During the workshop, Firouzi and his team introduced participants to Sustainable Sands, demonstrating its potential as a powerful educational tool.
Highlights of the Workshop:
- Hands-On Learning: Participants engaged in gameplay sessions, navigating complex scenarios that required innovative and sustainable solutions.
- Collaborative Discussions: The workshop facilitated lively conversations about how the game could be adapted for diverse educational settings, from classrooms to community programs.
- Global Interest: Delegates from regions including Africa, Asia, and South America expressed enthusiasm for the game, recognizing its value in fostering climate literacy.
Workshop Outcomes:
- Participants praised the game for simplifying complex sustainability concepts while encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
- Educators and policymakers highlighted its potential to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
Firouzi’s Reflection on the Workshop:
“I was incredibly proud to present Sustainable Sands with Majed and Saif. The workshop showed us that education is a powerful tool for change. Seeing participants from all over the world engage with the game and exchange ideas was both inspiring and humbling.”
Key Themes of Firouzi’s Engagement at COY18
1. Youth as Changemakers
Firouzi’s participation reinforced the belief that youth are not just stakeholders in climate action but active agents of change. His speeches and workshops encouraged attendees to take bold steps in their communities and beyond.
2. Local Solutions with Global Impact
By sharing examples from the UAE and introducing Sustainable Sands, Firouzi emphasized the importance of integrating local initiatives into global strategies.
3. The Power of Innovation in Education
The presentation of Sustainable Sands highlighted how innovative tools can transform sustainability education, making it accessible, engaging, and impactful for diverse audiences.
Reflections from Erfan Firouzi
Reflecting on his experience, Firouzi shared:
“COY18 was an extraordinary experience. Being part of such a vibrant community of changemakers reminded me of the immense potential we hold as youth. Together, we can drive the change we need to see in the world.”
He added:
“The success of the Sustainable Sands workshop reinforced my belief in the power of education. It’s not just about spreading knowledge—it’s about inspiring action. This is only the beginning, and I can’t wait to see how this game continues to make an impact.”
