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Arab Youth4COP Declaration for COP28

Preamble
As a collective voice of the Arab youth, under the auspices of the Arab Youth4COP Initiative, we acknowledge the critical significance of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28). Emerging from a region marked by longstanding conflicts, including the pursuit of liberation of Palestine as well as various civil wars elsewhere, we stand at the forefront of advocating for solutions that are not only sustainable and equitable but also deeply rooted in our quest for justice. Our commitment goes beyond environmental concerns, embedding in our vision the ideals of social justice and peace, essential for the future we aspire to create.
Declaration of Commitment and Action
  1. We envisage the Arab world emerging as a beacon of sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, and integrating sustainability with social justice and peace. We recognize the environmental, socio-economic, and political challenges confronting our region, including water scarcity, dependence on fossil fuels, and the impacts of regional conflicts.
  2. We emphasize the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy systems and advocate for the decarbonization of high-emission sectors. We call for the transformation of our food systems to ensure food security and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. We stand for strategies that align financial flows with nature conservation, supporting climate change adaptation and biodiversity preservation.
  3. We highlight the critical need for climate finance to facilitate climate mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage needs, particularly for countries most vulnerable to climate change. We champion the meaningful participation of youth in decision-making processes, advocating for policies that reflect the diverse voices of youth across the Arab world.
  4. We are committed to preserving our rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes, recognizing the intertwining of cultural preservation with environmental sustainability. We urge our governments and regional organizations to implement policies fostering sustainable development, renewable energy investment, and climate resilience, ensuring pathways to environmental sustainability that also leads to social justice and peace.
  5. We underscore the importance of global cooperation in climate change mitigation, sharing knowledge, and best practices, and addressing regional conflicts for effective climate action. We are dedicated to ensuring a just transition that respects the rights and needs of all communities, focusing on job creation, addressing inequalities, and supporting vulnerable communities.
  1. We demand credible climate action at all levels of government and business, aligned with the commitments of the Paris Agreement. We advocate for climate policies that consider the disproportionate impact of the climate crisis on children and girls. We support and empower women’s leadership in climate policy processes.
  2. We call for an increase in gender-responsive climate finance, ensuring accessibility to girls and young women. We stand for the integration of children's rights into climate finance governance and decision-making. We advocate for climate-resilient, gender-transformative climate education, and health systems.
  3. Our actions will be directed towards promoting renewable energy, sustainable urban development and conservation, advocating for economic strategies that minimize fossil fuel dependency and enhance climate resilience, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
  4. We recognize the significance of the Global Stocktake in evaluating collective progress towards the Paris Agreement goals and commit to contributing our perspectives and experiences from the Arab world to this essential review process. We advocate for the fair operationalization and adequate funding of the Loss and Damage fund established at COP27, underscoring its crucial role in supporting communities most affected by climate-induced disasters.
  5. We call upon governments, the private sector, civil society, and individuals to unite in action towards a sustainable, just, and peaceful future. This declaration is our comprehensive blueprint for action, addressing the pressing climate challenges and opportunities for impactful youth advocacy at COP28 and beyond. We are resolute in our commitment to driving change for a sustainable, just, and peaceful future.