The 18th Annual Global Forum on Human Settlements (GFHS 2023), as the associated conference of the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) and the follow-up implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Summit, was successfully held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in December. The theme was “Green, Fair, and Intelligent Urban Transformation to Accelerate the 1.5℃ Climate Goal and Sustainable Development Goals.”
Prominent figures such as Anwar Joudry, Ambassador and former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, and Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency, along with mayors from various cities, delivered speeches. Approximately 300 representatives from over 40 countries attended the conference.
As part of this year’s event, the 2023 Global Green Youth Ambassadors Study Tour provided an excellent opportunity for young people to engage in sustainable development. The SCIE Delegation performed exceptionally well in this activity.
During the conference, the organizers specifically held a youth seminar with the theme “Climate Change and the Transformation of My City.” Three experts with United Nations backgrounds were invited as judges. They were Dr. Alarub Hobara, former Head of Sustainable Consumption and Production at the United Nations Environment Programme, Jouduri Mohandi, Coordinator of the Environmental Department at the United Nations Regional Development Center, and Dr. Ralph Wanchafoot, Senior Advisor on Sustainable Development Issues and Policies at the Global Forum on Human Settlements.
The participants had meticulously prepared for the event, designing and creating exquisite PowerPoint presentations. Onsite, they spoke fluently in English, captivating the audience with their individual styles. Each of them expressed their insights from various perspectives such as smart cities and artificial intelligence, renewable energy, ocean plastic pollution, green building, biodiversity, sustainable tourism, etc. They emphasized taking actions from themselves to contribute to global sustainable development and climate action.The three experts provided thoughtful and individual feedback, greatly benefiting the students. Upon hearing the news, many parents from Dubai brought their children to the venue for observation and exchange.
In the end, two students from the SCIE Delegation stood out and were recommended to deliver impressive speeches at the closing ceremony. During the award ceremony, the students were honored with the “Global Green Youth Ambassador” certificate in a grand manner. Jouduri Mohandi, Coordinator of the Environmental Department at the United Nations Regional Development Center, personally presented the certificates, inspiring the younger generation to contribute to the coordinated acceleration of achieving sustainable development goals and climate targets.
SCIE students Liu Xiao (left) and Cheng Boxuan (right) sharing their insights at the GFHS 2023 conference
After a long day and night of travelling from SCIE to Dubai, we woke up to the delights of what Dubai has to offer its tourists. Day 1 was extremely busy, stimulating, and vibrant. We were introduced to Dubai on the 104th floor if the Burj Khalifa, the views of the city were sensational. This was followed by a trip to the Dubai Mall Aquarium, we were overwhelmed by the vast number of species and exhibits. Ironically, after appreciating the fish species in the aquarium, we were then transported to the Dubai marina where we were spoilt with a fish banquet cooked in a local spicy sauce. It was unanimously agreed that the local food is delicious. We were lucky enough to take a leisurely boat ride and take in more of the sights that Dubai offers. Throughout the day our minds were blown by the innovative and creative architecture around the city. We all felt very lucky to here. After a short rest, we dressed up in our formal attire and made the final changes to our presentations. Our first evening was spent listening to our peers who were each asked to prepare a presentation on an area of climate change. These presentations were engaging and fully showcased just how passionate our youth leaders about making a positive change. After each presentation, the floor was opened to comments from the experts and questions from the audience. Expert Chaudhury Rudra Charan Mohanty exclaimed that the audience had 'got the message' from the collective presentations. This was an excellent opportunity to interact with world leaders and experts in different climate change fields. We ended the evening understanding that by crossing our fingers and hoping for the best will have no impact on change, we need to join hands and work together. Each of us has must actively participate in making positive change happen.
- Pictures / GFHS 2023, Jean
