- First climate media majlis brings together policymakers, journalists and experts to advance conversation about the effects of global warming
Jun 20, 2023, Abu Dhabi, UAE
The first Climate Media Majlis aimed at promoting accessible coverage and awareness of climate change issues in the Middle East was held in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The event seeks to foster conversations about the effects of global warming and what needs to be done in a crucial year for the environment with COP28 taking place in the UAE.
Hosted by UICCA, the event brought together climate influencers, policymakers, journalists, and experts dedicated to tackling climate change.
UICCA was founded in 2022 and is an independent climate action organisation working to galvanise action between the public and private sector in climate change.
Commenting on the significance of the event, Her Highness Sheikha Shamma, the president and chief executive office of the organisation, said that it is important to tell powerful stories and sustain interest in such an important topic.
“Through our research we have found that some of the biggest challenges in climate reporting stem from not being able to make these complex concepts more accessible to mass audiences, particularly in the Arab world,” said Her Highness Sheikha Shamma.
“We want to work alongside members of the media to bridge the gaps that currently exist and to ensure these stories are effectively told," she explained.
"The climate media majlis will be a theme-based initiative and we will strive to include relevant subject matter experts who can share their knowledge and demystify the science,” said Sheikha Shamma, who was named in March, along with Sheikh Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, as the Middle East's prominent leaders by the World Economic Forum in its 2023 Class of Young Global Leaders.
“In return we simply ask you to ask the questions you are seeking answers to and to share your own insights on this topic,” she concluded.
During the event the UICCA also announced the upcoming release of an Arabic climate glossary to ensure “consistency in the climate conversation”.
The event was moderated by Nivine Afiouni, a global climate reporter, with participation of four experts – energy transition expert Martin Jagger; Manuel Rodrigues, vice president at the Secure Power Division Gulf at Schneider Electric; Saima Rana, chief education officer at GEMS Education; and Qais Al Suwaidi, vice president of sustainability at Abu Dhabi Energy Company, TAQA.
Topics included decoding the science of global warming; the potential of carbon capture; the role of education and youth; the science behind climate change and its social impact in the Middle East; driving government involvement; and how the Middle East will be hit harder by any increase in temperatures. It additionally heard about the role of media, the challenges of reporting on difficult issues, and how solution-based journalism can help.
It comes in an important year in the fight against climate change with less than six months to go before the UAE hosts COP28.
With the Middle Eastern region facing unique environmental challenges exacerbated by global warming threats such as water scarcity and desertification, the organisers of Monday's event said that an informed discussion on climate change has never been more critical.
It is envisaged that more climate media majlises will be held during the year.
