The “Climate Connection Champions” programme is designed to develop and amplify support for climate change action and COP26 amongst young people and institutions in the UAE while building a network of champions across the community. The programme works with young people to develop social leadership skills, skills to build and convene coalitions and to support the development of sustainable plans for social action to address the challenges of climate change.
The programme is supported by the British Embassy in the UAE and is launched in partnership with the American University in the Emirates.
About the programme
As the UK prepares to host the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference, in November 2021, the British Council is supporting young activists across the globe to implement projects that will help tackle climate change challenges to create a greener, more sustainable world.
The Climate Connection Champions programme supports UAE’s 50-year agenda (2071) as well as the UAE Green Agenda 2015-2030. This includes the transition from carbon into a knowledge-based economy, the consolidation of the country as an international education hub, and the recognition of the UAE as a science and technology leader. It also supports the National Climate Change Plan to 2050 which aims to address the causes and impacts of climate change, plan the transition into a climate resilient green economy, and achieve a better quality of life.
The programme will provide a springboard for social action and change led by young people, maximise and strengthen community links, promote and engage support for action and establish a foundation for continued delivery. By the end of the programme, we hope that our participants will go on to become advocates of climate change and that their involvement in the “Climate Connection Champions” programme will have built their confidence as social intermediaries in developing new skills and engaging with their communities.
The Climate Connection Champions is funded by the FCDO Gulf Strategy Fund and delivered in partnership with the British Council UAE.