By Chidi Emmanuel

KUWAIT: As part of their efforts to create awareness and protect biodiversity and the environment, the British and Canadian Embassies, in collaboration with the Environment Public Authority (EPA), organized a field trip for Young Ambassadors to Jahra Nature Reserve. The trip was sponsored by BNK Automotive.

“This event is a mentorship program that teaches students about climate action and ways to protect biodiversity. The focus of the excursion is to explore nature-based solutions for combating and adapting to climate change,” Samia Alduaij from Reefs & Beyond (the implementing partner of the Young Ambassador’s program) told Kuwait Times.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the crucial role of mangroves as a carbon sink and their effectiveness in absorbing CO2. The Young Ambassadors were able to see the migratory birds that inhabit the reserve during the winter. The program is aimed at empowering young people to bridge divides, build consensus, hold decision-makers accountable and ensure that the global community takes bold, urgent action to combat climate change.

EPA’s deputy director general of technical affairs Abdullah Al-Zaidan explained the efforts the agency is making to protect biodiversity and the ecosystem. He said there are around 12–13 natural reserves in Kuwait, but only three are managed by the EPA. “In the face of a rapidly changing climate, young leaders must be equipped for the vital role they play in shaping the world’s response to this existential challenge, making climate diplomacy an indispensable tool in their arsenal for a sustainable future. This is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13 (SDG 13), which focuses on climate action and climate justice,” he said, urging the youths to engage in climate diplomacy “so as to combat climate change and its impacts”.

The trip helped in championing the climate leaders of tomorrow (the students) through a program that enables them to gain first-hand experience in climate diplomacy. Participants learned about the initiatives that provide them with invaluable hands-on experience in climate diplomacy, communications, leadership and how to promote behavioral change, which is very integral to climate action.

Young ambassadors

The Embassies of Canada and the UK and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office invited interested embassies to join the Young Ambassador initiative as a tangible contribution to highlight climate action and climate diplomacy in line with SDG 13. The program opens doors for emerging leaders in Kuwait. It provides a select group of high school students (female and male, 15 to 18 years old) with mentoring and leadership development opportunities over a 5-month period through exposure to “real world” diplomacy, access to decision-makers, and a platform to share their ideas and initiatives to promote climate action in Kuwait and beyond.

During this period, each participant becomes a “Young Ambassador”; participates in bimonthly learning and networking activities with all participants by an embassy, UN agency or partner organization on a particular climate theme (climate impacts, mitigation, adaptation, climate negotiations, loss and damage, climate finance, etc); and develops leadership skills and gain support tools, confidence and a platform to enable them to be effective and collaborative champions of climate action.

Reacting to the event, some of the young ambassadors expressed their desire to help promote climate change awareness. “Today’s event was interesting, interactive and informative. We need to join hands in the efforts to preserve the environment,” Omar Saad, a Young Ambassador from the British School of Kuwait told Kuwait Times. “Persevering the natural environment and the ecosystem has become very necessary. The earlier, the better,” Yusuf Fawzie, another Young Ambassador from American International School added.

“We had a great experience today. We hope to contribute to the fight against global warming and promote awareness of the need to protect the ecosystem,” Lashata from the Indian Community School of Kuwait said as Grace and Hana, also from ICSK, concurred. The Young are selected on the basis of their submissions and criteria that ensure a diverse and inclusive group of participants.