Addressing Climate Anxiety in Youth, Tuesday 22 April

Bringing together government, health experts, media, academics and students to address the growing issue of climate anxiety among youth in the Middle East. Join us as we tackle issues around policy, social media and wellbeing, hearing from young people and inspiring positive action where it counts.

About the event

The growing issue of climate anxiety among youth, especially in the Middle East which is impacted disproportionally by climate change, highlights the deeply connected nature of environmental and mental health crises. As climate impacts intensify globally and regionally, the youth in the region experience rising levels of fear, helplessness, and uncertainty regarding their future.

According to World Economic Forum, approximately 66% of individuals in the MENA region between ages 18 to 24 express deep concern about the effects of climate change. This causes stress and risks spreading apathy and despondency. Yet, young people are seldom allowed a voice when it comes to policymaking, which only serves to compound the sense of helplessness and frustration felt by many. The impact of this weights on both individual wellbeing and economic progress, underlining the urgent need to address climate anxiety at its root and elevate the voices of young people.

Join us as we explore how to address this complex issue in a way that empowers youth to manage their wellbeing and drive climate action, as well as the role of social media in shaping the discourse

Meet the Experts 

• Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of the Health Promotion and Education Section, Dubai Health Authority
• Ahmed Al Amra, UAE Country Representative, Global Green Growth Institute
• Ahmed Al Ghardaqa, President, Arab Youth Council for Climate Change
• Farah Dahabi,  Director of Crisis & Trauma Service, The Lighthouse Arabia
• Moderated by Dr Rasha Bayoumi, Head of Research University of Birmingham Dubai 

Agenda

• 08:30 Arrival
• 09:15 - 13:00 Youth Policy Lab: Young people tackling Climate Anxiety 
• 13:00 - 14:15 Panel Discussion: Action on Climate Change and Mental Health
• 14:15 - 15:00 Networking and refreshments

If you are interested in participating in the youth workshop, please email us. 

 Register here to join the event