School students from across the region took part in an informative webinar ahead of the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in a bid to raise awareness about the plastic plague and how to nurture the environment to ensure a better future.
The Bahrain-based International Peace Institute of Middle East and North Africa (IPI Mena) held a webinar entitled ‘Mena’s Youth and the Environment’ in which its director Nejib Friji hailed youngsters as the heroes of the planet’s future.
“The environment has greatly suffered, particularly in regards to single-use plastic waste,” said Mr Friji during the Zoom session.
“And, while world leaders are still debating policies and calling for action, the youth is rising to the occasion.
“I believe children should be involved in these discussions as they can provide generational change.
“By raising awareness about plastic consumption, we hope to inspire them in finding solutions and engaging with the community. That said, we should not lose hope in grown-ups but note that boys and girls will lead us to a better future.”
During the webinar, Dubai-based children’s book author, Sara Ghannoum conducted a colourful reading of her recently published book Tom Alien and the Plastic Mess from her popular series.
As Ms Ghannoum shared an inspirational message about cleaning up the planet during her book reading, youngsters enjoyed the illustrations featured and created by multi-disciplinary artist Dunja Pantic.
She later shared her six-year-old son Saif’s reaction to her offering and how it inspired him to make a plan-of-action to use less plastic. He did so by refusing one-use bottles and straws.
“It is time to rely on the younger generation that has the drive, energy and creativity to help us come up with great solutions,” she added.
“Äs Mr Friji said, you are the heroes of tomorrow to help us get out of the big mess we created.”
Pupils from schools in Bahrain, Dubai and Lebanon then asked an array of questions to the author about what makes plastic toxic and how to make a difference themselves.
Ambassadors from an array of embassies including Pakistan, Yemen, India, the Philippines, Korea and Turkey were also present.
The COP26 summit, which is hosted by the UK, will be held in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.
It will bring parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Countries have been asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reduction targets that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century.
&uuid=(email))