LocationsThe Egyptian Ambassador and the UN Resident Coordinator met with young people from BiH ahead of the UN Climate Conference in Sharm El Sheikh
Meeting with young people from BiH ahead of the COP27 in Egypt
October 5, 2022
The Ambassador of Egypt in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Yasser Abdelrahman Ali Sorour, in cooperation with the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Ingrid Macdonald, hosted a discussion with BiH youth activists and representatives, ahead of the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will be held from 6 to 18 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
The event gathered around 30 young people who are engaged in addressing climate issues all over the country, including two youth representatives from the Green Network and the Let’s Do It Initiative who participated in last year's COP26 and the preceding Youth Summit as well as environmental activists. They had the opportunity to learn more about COP27 and global efforts in the fight against climate change, as well as to share their views with representatives of relevant domestic institutions, Embassies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and international organizations, including UN agencies in BiH, who also attended the event.
Egyptian Ambassador and BiH youth
Hosting of COP27 in the green city of Sharm El-Sheikh this year marks the 30th anniversary of the UNFCCC adoption. In the thirty years, the world has come a long way in the fight against climate change and its negative impacts. Egypt deeply believes that COP27 is an opportunity to showcase unity against an existential threat that we can only overcome through concerted action and effective implementation. As the forthcoming Presidency, we give importance to the role of youth and to facilitate their participation and elevate their invaluable involvement, the Government of Egypt is offering 400 opportunities of subsidized accommodation for youth representative at COP27. Therefore, I would encourage the youth to apply via YOUTH4COP27 in order to represent the youth voice of your country. It is imperative that youth have a seat at the table as key agents of change, towards climate response. COP27 aims to promote meaningful youth inclusion and leadership of climate action.Egyptian Ambassador in BiH, Yasser Abdelrahman Ali Sorour
Dr. El Omrani joined the meeting virtually
Create change on both global and local levels, also continue using the COP27 platform to discuss initiatives regarding climate change through the Youth Day on the 10 November, and finally work together with me, as the Youth Envoy, and COP Presidency, to translate the words and pledges into actions.The Youth Envoy, Dr. Omnia El Omrani sent a message to youth around the world and in BiH
This year’s COP27 will build on the outcomes of COP26 to deliver action on an array of issues critical to tackling the climate emergency – from urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions, building resilience and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, to delivering on the commitments to finance climate action in developing countries. Faced with a growing energy crisis, record greenhouse gas concentrations, and increasing extreme weather events, COP27 seeks renewed solidarity between countries, to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement, for people and the planet.
UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Ingrid Macdonald
Climate change is no longer an abstract problem that can be left for tomorrow. The facts are unequivocal. The climate crisis is already threatening all areas of our lives. We face more frequent and intense fires, floods, droughts and other disasters. This will only get worse, if we don’t act now. As United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres warned, the climate crisis is the ultimate code red for humanity. Young people are the leaders and drivers of the change that should be at the heart of the action we need to take. The United Nations in BiH is fully committed to working with young leaders, as well as the citizens and authorities to take the necessary actions to fulfill the promise from the Paris Agreement and contribute to preserving our future!UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Ingrid Macdonald
The Egyptian Ambassador and UN Resident Coordinator with young people from BiH
I would like to invite youth to join the UNDP's acclaimed Dear World Leaders campaign, by submitting their video messages via online platform, that will be screened at the COP27 exhibition area. As climate action becomes more urgent every day, UNDP remains strongly committed to continuing our close collaboration with the governments and our international partners to do more, work faster and turn words into action.UNDP Resident Representative a.i., Stephen Kinloch Pichat
Youth messages to COP27
Youth representatives expressed gratitude for this opportunity and pointed out that, in addition to independent civil society organizations, young people are among the most important opponents of policies that are harmful to the planet and endanger the future. In addition, younger generations are often more conscious of the need to be responsible, on an individual and collective level. Despite difficulties, they see themselves as a potentially powerful force for positive change. Everyone agreed that the participation of young people in decision-making is key to advancing this agenda and turning commitments into actions, as well as their further education.
“Indeed, our cause goes beyond our mere generation, and concerns also future generations. To tackle environmental and climate change challenges, education is key. Ultimately, increased participation of youth to decision making is essential to moving this agenda forward and changing commitments into actions. We therefore call on decision-makers and world leaders to listen more to the youth, ensuring their participation in decision-making.” it was concluded.
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