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As COP28 UAE approaches, the United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) looks to mobilize and empower the youth by launching their new educational program in partnership with Coursera. 

The COP28 Presidency and Coursera, a global online learning platform, have partnered to provide 5,000 free licenses for curated climate-focused online courses and certificate programs. 

The program of over 100 courses covers a range of topics essential for climate literacy, including mitigation, adaptation, finance, and loss and damage. The courses are designed to empower young people with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to climate decision-making processes.

The distribution of the licenses will be facilitated through UNFCCC constituencies, the University Climate Network comprising 24 UAE-based universities and higher education institutions, and various youth activist groups.

“Young people have repeatedly raised that capacity building is a key priority for their meaningful participation during our global youth consultations. This partnership responds to that identified need. COP28 and Coursera’s collaboration on climate education demonstrates our commitment to empower the younger generation and foster their active involvement in tackling the global climate crisis,” said Shamma Al Mazrui, COP28’s Youth Climate Champion.

The Youth Climate Champion is a new role introduced by the COP28 Presidency, aimed at mainstreaming youth participation and voice in the COP process while mobilizing substantive youth policy inputs and outcomes.

COP28 UAE is set to take place from November 30 to December 12 at Expo City Dubai. The conference is expected to have over 70 thousand participants, including government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, and more.

As part of the COP28 two-week thematic program, December 8 is dedicated to Youth, Children, Education, and Skills. The day will highlight the need to empower children and youth with clear, defined, and accessible opportunities to participate in climate solutions proposed at every level.

“Through education, we aim to empower thousands of young people to learn about climate issues and play a role in shaping sustainable solutions. This partnership reflects our commitment to making climate literacy accessible to all and nurturing a generation that will lead us toward a sustainable future,” said Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera.