Skip to main content
Magnifier icon Magnifier icon

Menu

About EAA

Opening up a world of education

Children love to learn. If they are denied access to knowledge, we also deny them the opportunity to change their lives for the better.

Close

Empowering Youth for Climate Action: Reflections from the ECOSOC Youth Forum

Calendar icon
by Abdulrahman Al Muftah, EAA Youth Advocate

Hello, everyone! My name is Abdulrahman Al Muftah, and I am thrilled to share my incredible journey as a youth representative for Education Above All (EAA) at the ECOSOC Youth Forum 2023 that took place in New York. This transformative experience has allowed me to witness firsthand the power of youth engagement in shaping a sustainable future. Join me as I take you through the highlights of my participation and the invaluable lessons learned along the way.

As I walked into the bustling halls of the ECOSOC Youth Forum, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The room was abuzz with young voices from across the globe, each representing a unique perspective on the pressing issues of our time. The opportunity to be part of this global gathering was a profound privilege, one that would shape my understanding of climate action and the pivotal role of young people in driving change.

During my time at the forum, I encountered standout moments that left an indelible mark on my journey.

Conversations with passionate individuals provided glimpses into their experiences and struggles, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by communities worldwide. It was a humbling experience to witness their determination and resilience firsthand, knowing that we were united in a common goal: to create a sustainable future for all.

The forum not only reinforced the urgent need for climate action but also unveiled the interconnectedness of various social, economic, and environmental issues. I was struck by how social discrimination exacerbates the impacts of climate change, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Gender inequality emerged as one of the most pressing challenges, highlighting the imperative to address this issue head-on within the climate action agenda.

Their stories embodied hope, reminding me that no matter the circumstances, the power to make a difference lies within each of us.

Yet, amidst these challenges, a transformative lesson unfolded—one that ignited a sense of hope and empowerment within me. As I delved deeper into the discussions at the forum, I recognized the incredible potential of young people to shape our collective future. It became evident that fostering greater youth engagement in policy-making processes would unlock a world of possibilities for climate action and sustainable development. Throughout the forum, I encountered inspiring individuals and groups whose stories will forever resonate with me. Stories of youth hailing from economically disadvantaged regions showcased their unwavering commitment to creating tangible change despite adversities. Their stories embodied hope, reminding me that no matter the circumstances, the power to make a difference lies within each of us.

Armed with newfound knowledge and inspiration, I returned home with a determination to take action. The AYCMQ (Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar), the organisation I am privileged to be a part of, is seizing the opportunity to engage with decision-makers across different sectors in Qatar. We aim to use the insights and findings from the forum to advocate for stronger climate action initiatives within our communities. Additionally, these findings have the potential to contribute to global discussions, guiding targeted support to regions that need it most. My work with Education Above All (EAA) has played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to climate action and sustainability. Through collaboration and empowering youth, we can build bridges and harness collective efforts to drive positive change. These experiences have reinforced the significance of inclusivity, unity, and the tireless pursuit of a sustainable future.

To all the young people out there, I urge you to embrace engagement and inclusion. The ECOSOC Youth Forum served as a powerful reminder that our voices matter, and our ideas hold the potential to transform the world. Let us seize every opportunity to participate in forums, to share our perspectives, and to work together towards a brighter future.

As I reflect on my journey at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, I am filled with hope and determination. The global challenges we face may seem overwhelming, but the collective power of young voices can ignite change. Let us continue to amplify our voices, inspire one another, and pave the way for a sustainable and inclusive world. Together, we can shape a better future for all.

#VoicesOfYouth #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture

Impact

"Humanity will not overcome the immense challenges we face unless we ensure that children get the quality education that equips them to play their part in the modern world." -- HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser

Surpassing

14.5 million

enrolment commitments for OOSC

9,800

Scholarships

89.5%

retention rate

395,558

Teachers trained

45,000

schools and classrooms