COP28 Simulation @ Dubai Expo
The final phase of the COP28 Simulation Model was the participation of a selected top performing students in the actual COP28 held in Dubai, UAE. The COP28 Simulation Model organizing team succeeded in securing 3 sessions at COP28 in both the Blue and Green Zones in collaboration with Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, League of Arab States and UNESCO. Highlighting our participants’ experience, journey and efforts and the voices of youth was the core of all 3 sessions.
Our first insightful and interactive session was on “Presenting COP28 Simulation Outcomes and Solutions for Climate Action” on 2 December 2023 at the Egypt Pavilion, Blue Zone where our students presented their recommendations for climate action initiatives.
The session included high profile panelists H.E. Professor Ashraf Sobhi, Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Ali Abou Sena, Executive Director of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Egypt, Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative Egypt and Ambassador Hesham Badr, Assistant Minister for Strategic Partnership, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. The session was moderated by Dr. Sahar Elkhishin, Head of Strategy Development and Head of COPsimulation Model, The British University in Egypt, Dr. Abeer Shakweer, Assistant Resident Representative and the Inclusive Growth and Innovation Team Leader, UNDP Egypt and Professor Suzanna El-Massah, FEPS, Cairo University and Director of Sustainability Programme, Zayed University.
The second session was titled “Our Future Our Voice: Youth Driving Climate Action” on 3 December 2023 at the League of Arab States Pavilion, Blue zone on how youth can lead climate action.
Our seasoned panelists were H.E. Professor Ashraf Sobhi, Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Professor Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Climate Change High-level Champion for Egypt, Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Egypt, Mr. Alessandro Fracassetti, UNDP Resident Representative Egypt and Ambassador Nada El Agizy, Director of Sustainable Development and International Cooperation, League of Arab States. The session was moderated by Dr. Sahar Elkhishin, Head of Strategy Development and Head of COPsimulation Model, The British University in Egypt, Dr. Abeer Shakweer, Assistant Resident Representative and the Inclusive Growth and Innovation Team Leader, UNDP Egypt and Dr. Suzanna El-Massah, FEPS, Cairo University and Director of Sustainability Programme, Zayed University.
The third and final session was “Empowering Youth to Become Climate Action Change Agents: The COP Simulation Unique Experience” on 4 December 2023 at UNESCO, UAE Ministry of Higher Education Green Zone where participants in the COP28simulation Model had their voices heard through presenting their individual personal experience and how this journey has influenced them.
Our distinguished Speakers were Professor Mohamed Loutfi, President and Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Egypt, Professor John Latham, CEO and Vice-Chancellor, Coventry University, Dr. Ehab Shalaby, Chairman, D-Carbon Global for Sustainability and Climate Change Solutions, Professor Stuart Bannerman, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor International, London South Bank University and Professor Paul J Hopkinson, Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Zayed University. The session was moderated by Dr. Sahar Elkhishin, Head of Strategy Development and Head of COP Simulation Model, The British University in Egypt, Dr. Abeer Shakweer, Assistant Resident Representative and the Inclusive Growth and Innovation Team Leader, UNDP Egypt and Dr. Suzanna El-Massah, FEPS, Cairo University and Director of Sustainability Programme, Zayed University.
The fourth session was entitled “The Changing Climate of the Arab Region and Early Warning” at the League of Arab States Pavilion, where President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mohamed Loutfi discussed the role of higher education institutions in supporting climate early warning systems.
