*** Engaging EU and GCC youth in climate action | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Engaging EU and GCC youth in climate action

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: mail@newsobahrain.com

The European Union delegation to the Kingdom of Bahrain, in collaboration with the EU-GCC Cooperation on Green Transition project and the EU Outreach Facility for the GCC, has supported the organisation of a Conference of the Parties (COP) simulation games for youth.

This initiative was part of the 7th edition of the ‘Young Parliamentarian’ programme, an annual youth empowerment initiative held under the patronage of His Excellency Ali bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of the Shura Council.

Over two days, 42 young Bahraini students and professionals aged 16 to 30 participated in workshops and simulations designed to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of driving global climate action.

Participants

The participants assumed roles as representatives of various countries — including industrialized nations, emerging economies, and developing countries such as Bangladesh, Brazil, China, the European Union, India, Japan, Morocco, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States — to engage in simulated COP negotiations.

Speaking about the initiative, Theo Lemaire (Delegation of the European Union, Political Officer and EU Focal Point for Bahrain), stated: “Climate change is a global challenge that demands collective action. This simulation is not just an exercise; it is an immersive learning experience.

It highlights the difficult balance countries must strike in their approaches to climate action, often weighed against national interests and global responsibilities.

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New generation of leaders

“By engaging Bahraini youth in these simulation games, we are fostering a new generation of leaders equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute to global climate solutions.

We are proud to support this initiative, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and empowering young voices in the climate discourse.”

The simulation games enhanced participants’ understanding of the diverse roles that individuals, civil society, and political actors play in championing climate action.

They also benefited from dedicated sessions on international negotiations and the European Union’s flagship policy, the European Green Deal, which outlines the EU’s commitment to tackling climate change and achieving a sustainable future.