Timely and diverse dialogues at COP29 are central to the global climate agenda, linking climate action with its impact on agricultural systems. World leaders emphasized that food systems are a critical component of the global climate crisis. Inspired by inputs from COP29, the World Food Week in Abu Dhabi, scheduled from November 26 to 28, will continue the conversation on food security. By fostering ongoing discussions among regional stakeholders, the UAE aims to build strategic partnerships between international and local bodies focused on combating food scarcity and waste.

The scale of the global food security crisis prompted several leaders at the UAE pavilion at COP29 to call on the nation’s youth to lead a new era of climate action. In the opening discussion titled “Empowering Youth for Climate Action: Ambitions, Careers, and Global Impact,” Dr. Farid Gayibov, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sport, shared insights into Azerbaijan’s groundbreaking efforts in this area. Highlighting the incorporation of “Youth Day” into Azerbaijan’s national calendar ahead of the UN’s thematic recognition of the initiative, Dr. Gayibov emphasized that “more than 300 youth organizations in the country are working to mobilize youth engagement initiatives across various regions of Azerbaijan.”

Initiatives such as the “Climate Leaders Program” empower over 95,000 young people worldwide, fostering stronger climate leadership for future generations. Toby Thorpe, a Youth Ambassador and Zayed Sustainability Prize winner from Australia shared his experience of using the prize fund to establish a local sustainability center in Tasmania.

The Circular Economy and Waste Reduction: Youth Pioneering the Path to Zero Waste in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi featured new initiatives in the UAE that aim to drive youth participation and influence in the region’s climate efforts. Cutting-edge innovations showcased at the UAE pavilion focused on best practices that aim to foster zero-waste campuses and cities across the emirates.