Meet 2 young Emiratis who will represent UAE in fight for climate action at COP29

Two young Emiratis are representing the UAE at the upcoming COP29. Hamid Al Bastaki and Reem Al Mansoori — both youth leaders who are passionate eco-warriors — are set to take the stage at the climate summit in Azerbaijian.

Delegates from around the world will convene in Baku, Azerbaijian, from November 11 to 22 for crucial negotiations, dynamic discussions, and global collaboration — all focused on tackling the climate crisis with urgency and ambition.

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Reem and Hamid, both prominent figures in Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) initiative, will play an integral role in the event as youth ambassadors, contributing their perspectives to critical global conversations on climate change.

They will engage in dialogue sessions and workshops alongside representatives from other countries, working to amplify the role of young people in shaping decisions at the summit.

An innovator

Hamid Al Bastaki, a 21-year-old student taking up engineering systems and management at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, is dedicated to merging engineering principles with sustainable practices. As an ambassador for the UAE National Identity, he actively promotes Emirati values.

The Sharjah-based youth is an innovator, too. He has created Orion AI, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist entrepreneurs in navigating business challenges while promoting sustainable practices.

Hamid said his experience with Masdar's sustainability programme has been "profoundly impactful, both personally and professionally".

"The programme's emphasis on providing access to a global network of peers, industry experts, and mentors has expanded my understanding of the sustainability landscape, providing a platform to amplify my voice at international events like COP28," he said.

He urges other young people to actively seek out opportunities like Y4S. "Embrace global collaboration, never underestimate your potential to drive change, and remember that the future of sustainability depends on our collective action."

A climate action advocate

Reem Al Mansoori, a 24-year-old graduate of Zayed University with a degree in international studies, is a notable researcher in political economy. Her focus on government intervention in sovereign wealth funds has earned her recognition at international conferences, including the British Conference of Undergraduate Research.

Reem's involvement as a CNN Fellow and her role as a peer educator with the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) further showcase her commitment to climate education.

Selected for the I ACT Peer Educator programme, she delivers workshops on critical climate issues, reflecting her dedication to fostering awareness and action within her community.

Reem explained her motivation for joining Y4S: "I was particularly drawn to the initiative because of its emphasis on empowering young people as key drivers of the global sustainability agenda."

"The programme's mission to provide accessible education, build meaningful partnerships, and equip youth with essential skills for the future deeply resonated with my goals," she said.

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