Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Managing Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, delivered a keynote address at the UAE Climate Action Awards, an initiative supported by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Emirates Foundation. The event, held in Abu Dhabi, recognized the efforts of young leaders in advancing sustainability and climate action within their schools and communities.
In her remarks, Al Mubarak emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping climate solutions. She underscored that young people are not only inheritors of the climate crisis but also key drivers of innovative solutions. The UAE Climate Action Awards, introduced at COP28 in Dubai, serve as a platform for students to develop and implement sustainability initiatives, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to integrating youth perspectives into environmental decision-making.
Acknowledging the sponsors, Al Mubarak praised FAB and Emirates Foundation for their leadership in creating opportunities for students to actively engage in climate action. She highlighted how partnerships between financial institutions, government entities, and educational organizations can catalyze long-term sustainability efforts.
Reflecting on the UAE’s broader environmental leadership, Al Mubarak noted the country’s commitment to nature-based climate solutions, from mangrove restoration to biodiversity conservation. She pointed to the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi as an opportunity to further explore these solutions on a global scale.
She concluded with a call to action, urging students to continue advocating for sustainability and encouraging business leaders to support youth-driven initiatives beyond the competition:
“Your efforts are already shaping the future. This is just the beginning.”
The UAE Climate Action Awards mark a significant step in fostering a culture of sustainability within schools and communities, demonstrating how collective action can drive meaningful change.