UAE youth told of forefathers who tread 'green path'

Engage and be part of the country's efforts in combating global climate change, a minister urged the Emirati youths recently.
Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCE), who opened the Youth Circle held at the Mleiha Archeological Centre in Sharjah, told the audience that sustainability and climate change are not new topics to the UAE.
Dr Al Zeyoudi, in his opening remarks, said: "Our forefathers have long embraced sustainability and were able to live in harsh climate conditions through the optimal and sustainable use of the scarce available resources while preserving them for future generations."
Shamma bint Suhail Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs also attended the event.
The youth circle was organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the Emirates Youth Council titled "Climate Change and Sustainability is our Shared Responsibility."
Dr Al Zeyoudi stressed that the Late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan gave great importance to sustainability issues. He also spoke about the transformation that the country has witnessed, under the leadership of the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in the areas of economic and energy diversification.
He also highlighted the initiatives launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President Prime Minister & Ruler of Dubai, such as the UAE's Green Development Strategy, which adopts green economy as a strategic option to direct the national economy towards a green, sustainable and low carbon future.
He highlighted the role that the UAE youth could play in terms of putting forward ideas and innovative solutions for environmental issues in order to contribute to achieving the goals of the UAE Vision 2021. He also raised the efforts of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in facilitating Youth Circle and the participation of attendees.
Shamma Al Mazrui praised the MOCCAE's role in developing the youth's knowledge and skills when it comes to environmental issues.
She said: "Today, more than ever, the youth are responsible for sustaining a more prosperous future and combating challenges that the earth is facing due to climate change. The youth are highly capable in investing their efforts and skills in innovative solutions that align with the global efforts to combat climate change."
According to her, the youth councils and circles empower the youth to express their opinions and allow them to share their creative ideas with decision makers to advance various sectors towards a better future.
The youth who attended the circle discussed issues on sustainability and climate change and put forward their ideas about their important role towards achieving a sustainable future in preparation for the post-oil era.
They were urged to pledge to carry the responsibility, on both a local and global level, to successfully battle climate change and achieve sustainability.
The attendees were asked to write their pledges and hang them on a tree made out of recycled materials. The ministers hung their pledges first and then the youth followed.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Sharjah