The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in collaboration with EY, French NGO Climate Fresk, and over 1100 students from Aldar Education, achieved two Guinness World Records. These records were set for hosting the largest climate change awareness lesson and having the highest number of nationalities attending such a lesson. The event, supported by ADNEC and the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, aligns with the focus on youth participation in climate negotiations at COP28, where the first Youth Climate Champion with a Ministerial role will be present.
The large cohort of Aldar Education students, gathered at Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Exhibition and Conference Centre, broke the record while learning more about climate change and understanding their role in mitigating its effects. The group comprised students from 57 different nationalities, setting the record for the most nationalities attending a climate change awareness lesson.
Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change Environment, launched the record attempt and emphasized the importance of involving youth in understanding the challenges and issues related to climate change. She stated that the goal is to transform the UAE into one of the most climate-conscious nations globally.
Sahar Cooper, CEO of Aldar Education, expressed pride in the students’ active participation in establishing a new world record in climate change awareness. He highlighted the crucial role education plays in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens, empowering them to drive positive change.
Anthony O’Sullivan, UAE Managing Partner at EY, expressed pride in being part of building climate change awareness and empowering a diverse group of youth with knowledge to be environmental stewards. He highlighted the advocacy for youth inclusion at COP28, setting the stage for today’s youth to be heard and take action to effect climate change policies as global leaders of tomorrow.
Cédric Ringenbach, founder of Climate Fresk, emphasized that climate change is a complex problem that affects everyone and highlighted the importance of quality climate education. The goal is to create a growing network of people who can pass on this education to reach a social tipping point guiding us to a low-carbon world.
The event concluded with the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi providing all participants with an ‘Energy Kit,’ including tips, advice, and behavior-nudging interventions to enable students to take more sustainable actions.
