Tomorrow’s Leaders Program

Success Stories

Empowering Youth for Climate Action: Nabila Arab’s Impactful Engagement at COP28 UAE

By Raffi Chilingirian | February 16, 2024

Nabila Arab, a MEPI TLG student, participated as a Lebanese delegate at COP28 UAE, actively engaging in enlightening sessions and discussions. These sessions covered a range of topics, including unlocking climate finance opportunities in the Middle East, the intersection between violence against women and climate change, climate change’s impact on peace and security in the Arab region, and youth involvement in renewable energy initiatives.

Nabila actively participated in discussions that shed light on the urgent need for preventive measures to address the intersection of violence against women and climate change. She also gained valuable insights into the complexities of climate-related problems in the Middle East’s geopolitical context and the pivotal role of young people in driving action against climate change. Nabila’s attendance at the Children and Youth Pavilion highlighted the importance of empowering Arab women in climate adaptation and disaster response. Additionally, she participated in the United Nations Youth Leadership Development Program’s session on unleashing innovation for a sustainable future, which provided a platform for insightful discourse. While reflecting on youth participation, Nabila shared, “The inclusion of youth in these discussions is not just beneficial but absolutely essential for comprehensive and impactful global climate action.”

Nabila also witnessed Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati’s impassioned discourse as the Lebanese representative, emphasizing the need for Lebanon’s resilience against climate change and Israeli aggression while addressing the environmental impact of military actions within international laws and humanitarian principles.

Nabila Arab’s engagement at COP28 brought forth several tangible outcomes. Her active participation in enlightening sessions contributed to raising awareness and fostering a better understanding of climate change challenges in the Middle East. The discussions she joined emphasized the importance of financial strategies, preventive measures against violence against women, and the need for climate action to address peace and security concerns in the Arab region. Nabila’s presence as a member of the UNDP Youth Advisory Board ensured that youth perspectives were considered in shaping COP28 Lebanon Priorities. Her involvement helped drive tangible outcomes, including an increased focus on enhancing climate mitigation targets, accelerating adaptation strategies, and promoting financial commitments and transparency in climate finance. These outcomes directly align with MEPI’s Strategic Framework by encouraging civic engagement, supporting civil society, strengthening individuals and organizations with democratic knowledge and skills, and improving government responsiveness to citizen needs.

Nabila’s impactful engagement exemplifies the power of youth in addressing climate change challenges and advocating for citizen interests at all levels of government.