SHARM EL-SHEIKH, The “Youth Pitches” initiative of the Arab Youth Centre held its fifth edition in Sharm El-Sheikh, within the framework of the Conference Of Youth – COY17 that Egypt is hosting ahead of COP27 conference, which was attended by several Arab and youths from across the world.
The initiative provides Arab youth with opportunities to showcase their innovations and solutions to the most pressing challenges alongside their peers worldwide.
It was held on the sidelines of the “Conference of Youth – COY17”, organised within the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27), under the banner of YOUNGO, the official youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Shamma bint Suhail Faris Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Vice Chair of the Arab Youth Centre, said that the youths’ creative and innovative ideas provide solutions to enhance food security in future societies as they depend on agricultural technology applications and food production innovations.
Led by its President, H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Arab Youth Centre will continue investing in young people and employing their creativity to enhance their development contributions, she added.
Al Mazrui, who is participating in COP27 in Egypt as part of the UAE delegation, said, “Climate change is a challenge that we can confront if people of different walks of life and ages join hands. This will ensure innovative solutions for various sectors, especially food, sustainable agriculture, clean energy and environmental action to preserve the planet’s resources and biodiversity.”
“Youth Pitches” was held in the Olympic Village in Sharm El-Sheikh, where people in the age groups 15 to 35 years competed to present the best technological practices for developing the agricultural sector and enhancing food security. Finalists presented their ideas to decision-makers, and the jury chose three winners from Best Start-up in Egypt, Best Start-up in the Arab World, and Best Start-up in the World. The winners will receive US$15,000 each to develop their sustainable plans.
COY is an annual event held before and on the sidelines of the annual UN Climate Change Conference, also known as the Conference of the Parties (COP). It serves as a space for capacity building and policy training to prepare young people for their participation at COP.
Source: Emirates News Agency