Student Energy Summit 2023

Reimagining progress is the process of rethinking and shifting the way we define, measure, and pursue societal advancement. Ultimately, Reimagining Progress is acknowledging that progress is not linear and that the pursuit of economic growth at the expense of the planet is not sustainable. We must strive for a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has access to clean and reliable energy and other resources.               

Invitation-only for youth delegates.

Disability Rights and the Climate Crisis: Climate Disasters, Extreme Weather Events, and Humanitarian Response

This event will focus on the impacts that people with disabilities and medical conditions experience when facing climate change and extreme weather events, and the role of humanitarian response actors to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected.

Register here.

Global Tolerance Alliance at COP28: Connected in our Common Humanity

Talk is hosted by the Ministry of Tolerane and Coexistence.
This is an invite-only event. 

Diplomacy, Climate Action, and Peace 

Join the student-led Climate Diplomacy Series launch at COP28 for insights on the nexus of climate change, peace, and security. Diplomats and experts will explore practical solutions to enhance stability amidst climatic impacts, emphasizing youth involvement. The discussion will examine how diplomatic channels might better mitigate climate-related conflicts.

Register here.

10-11:15am

Youth Climiate Champion (YCC) Pavilion

Youth Climate Champion (YCC): Meet the Mentors 

As the future of work changes rapidly, mentorship can play a key role in advancing access and opportunities for youth. Meet the Mentors will bridge tangible connections between youth and professionals through intergenerational dialogue and resonant voices of action, solutions and hope. 

The Youth Climate Champion (YCC) in collaboration with strategic partner NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) have organized a series of pavilion sessions where a panel of high-level mentors are invited to share their career journey insights and interactively engage with youth delegates. 

All mentors serving as panelists have pledged 28 mentorship hours to be "Climate Mentors for the Future" on behalf of their organizations to advance and resource youth-led climate action.

Invitation-only for youth delegates.

10-11:30am

Blue Zone, Rove Expo 2020 Hotel

Redefining the Future of Work: Implementing Green Skills and Jobs in the Global Workforce

This panel will focus on available resources for current employees and students to begin exploring the effects of climate change on the job market, what green jobs and skills need to be created to effectively engage the future of work, and how public and private sector partners can band together to further climate action across industries.

Registration link will be available soon. 

Higher Education's Path to Net Zero: Navigating GHG Emissions Measurement Opportunities and Challenges

This dynamic roundtable discusses the pressing challenges faced by HEIs in the UAE and worldwide as they strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Sustainability experts at the American University of Sharjah, New York University Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi will delve into the role of higher education in leading climate action initiatives, the intricacies of accurately measuring and tracking GHG emissions in academia and ensuring the viability of university climate action plans. 

Register here.

Climate Equity and Inclusion Solutions For Education, Resilience, and Empowerment: Climate Knowledge For All

This interactive session, featuring Abu Dhabi, New York, and London-based experts, offers a collaborative forum—inviting attendees to share experiences or bring climate education proposals for feedback. 

Hosted by the Greening Education Hub (in partnership with UNESCO and the UAE Ministry of Education). Co-organized by NYU Abu Dhabi, London School of Economics, LSE Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment

Register here.

2-3pm

Blue Zone, Greek Pavilion Zone B3, Building 26

Climate Investment and Finance: Challenges and opportunities, lessons learned from the EU, the Golf Cooperation Council region and the world (in collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Development of EPLO)

The talk aims to facilitate high-level dialogue between the EU and GCC on climate investment and finance, discussing possible opportunities, challenges, and cooperation.

Learn more about the climate investment and finance talk.

Angel Rising Roundtable with UICCA

The discussion will explore local case studies with innovators showcasing how their cutting-edge technologies address pressing climate issues. Capacity of 15-16 guests for the round table only. Angel Rising convenes 15+ global climate tech investment experts, 100+ registered investors from the region, and 100+ stakeholders of the MENA innovation ecosystem. In addition, the event related content is viewed by over 2 million people globally.

Request an invite to attend.

2-5pm

Climate Action Innovation Zone, Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, Dubai

Angel Rising Symposium

Featuring spotlight sessions, panel discussions, and fireside chats followed by networking for 150 guests.

Angel Rising convenes 15+ global climate tech investment experts, 100+ registered investors from the region, and 100+ stakeholders of the MENA innovation ecosystem. In addition, the event related content is viewed by over 2 million people globally.

Request an invite to attend.

Universities Climate Network (UCN): Legacy in Practice

Co-organized by NYU Abu Dhabi as chair of UCN, COP28 Presidency. 

The COP28 Universities Climate Network (UCN) is hosting an all-day forum for UAE-based higher education experts and leaders representing 33 university members. This event will have four guest keynote speakers and majlis-style roundtable discussions designed around the four pillars: (i) Student Youth Engagement, (ii) Research and Innovation, (iii) Community & Public Engagement, and (iv) Decarbonization and Net Zero. 

By invitiation only event. 

3:15-4:30pm

Blue Zone

Disability Rights and the Climate Crisis: Inclusive Decision-Making, Climate Disasters, and Impacts on the Rights of People with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses

This event will bring together experts, activists, and community members to share their perspectives, experiences, and policymaking approaches. Hosted by the World Health Organization Health Pavilion. Co-organized by NYU Abu Dhabi, Human Rights Watch, International Disability Alliance.

Register here.

Global Higher Education Networking Night 

This event will distinguish itself from others at COP28 by providing a milestone moment for key actors in academia to connect in a networking – rather than conference-style setting. The need for community-building in the sector was identified in consultation with international higher education institutions internationally over the last year and is a unique opportunity to actively and inclusively engage these delegate observers and their UAE university counterparts.

Co-organized by NYU Abu Dhabi, COP28 Presidency, Network of Networks (convened by University of Cambridge and University of Toronto)
This is a by Invitation only for representatives of university climate networks.

Youth Agency & Empowerment for Climate Action

This session will seek to increase awareness of the importance of public-private partnerships to engage educators, students and communities and empower young people with the skills and tools necessary to train the next generation of climate-responsible leaders. The conversation will be closely aligned with the COP28 UAE Presidency’s vision, which appointed the first Youth Climate Champion and established the largest ever youth climate delegate program.

Co-organized by DP World, The Climate Tribe

Registration link will be available soon.

From Local to Global: Extreme Environments as a Proxy for the Future

This panel delves into the pioneering work of the Mubadala Arabian Center for Climate and Environmental Sciences (ACCESS) in its efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Panelists will discuss ongoing studies of the marine and atmospheric environment of the region, with a special emphasis on the UAE.

Registration link will be available soon.

Innovate to Nourish: Finance and Technology for Food Security

The Transition Investment Workshop brings together top-tier financial institutions, specialized asset managers, researchers, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and best practices on unlocking large-scale investments in socially impactful projects in emerging and lower-income countries.

Register your interest.

Preparing the Workforce for a Climate Resilient Future: The UAE NAP Development and the Skills Mapping Nexus

The primary objective of this event is premised on the UAE National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Development and the actions toward a comprehensive and inclusive strategy that facilitates a just transition, youth engagement, and integration of labor and education into UAE’s national efforts to adapt to climate chan

Registration link will be available soon.