Day eight @the Hub

 By Engy Farag, Ghalia Bouran

On a day devoted to youth, children and education, the UN’s Resident Coordinator’s Office along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a discussion on youth and climate action. This was followed by an event on climate change’s impact on refugees with a focus on education.

Climate action for the next generation. Organizer: UNRCO-UAE: Children are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis and will continue to do so as adults, so climate action is critical for them. Panellists spoke about the need for more opportunities in green innovation and jobs for youth. Some youth activists pointed out that they need a seat at the climate negotiations’ table to really engage with the process. Panel members said institutions need to make space and room for youth and children in coalitions and NGOs targeting climate action.

One of the panellists commented that youth do not want a COP50 or would want it as a reflective conference as the world would have reached zero emissions. Some panellists shared that organizations such as Green Ivory, a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Cote D'Ivoire, has trained 76,000 volunteers who are implementing anticipatory action techniques. Anther organization Inner Light, dedicated to improving the interconnectedness between ocean health and human health helps youth deal with climate anxiety.

The role and importance of livelihoods and economic Inclusion for refugees in the context of climate change; Organizer: UNHCR: Panellist sunderlined the importance of education in helping refugees back on their feet. “The first place you get a sense of normalcy is at school,” said Nhial Deng, a South Sudanese refugee and community activist. “Not only knowledge but hope and solace. When I got to Kakuma refugee camp [in Kenya], I saw all my dreams were gone but I started dreaming again when I attended school in a refugee camp.”

Seventy-six percent of refugees are in countries that are developing and/or low-income. Eight per cent of refugees leave their countries due to persecution and war, however the countries they find refuge in are usually suffering from climate change and instability there is partially or indirectly caused by climate change.

A panellist, the Agency for Rehabilitation Assistance & Development of Afghanistan (ARADA), an NGO, offers sustainable housing in displaced communities and lower-income ones in Afghanistan and Pakistan in collaboration with UNHCR. ARADA want to expand operations to Middle East and be part of solution of rebuilding infrastructure and communities.

The Big Heart Foundation, another panellist said it is directing efforts towards women empowerment, education and addressing vulnerabilities of communities living in areas prone to climate shocks. They are committed to improvement of communities impacted by environmental challenges and their efforts aim at improving infrastructure and empower refugees to adapt to these challenges when they arise.  
It was pointed out that technology is also an essential tool to access online resources and online opportunities.