Staff
More than 1,100 students from Aldar Education set two Guinness World Records
Abu Dhabi, Nov 10, 2023: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in collaboration with the professional services organisation EY, French climate education NGO Climate Fresk, and more than 1,100 students from Aldar Education set two Guinness World Records. These records were established for hosting the largest climate change awareness lesson and for having the highest number of nationalities attending a climate awareness lesson.
In association with Aldar Education and with the support of ADNEC, and the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, the record-creating attempt aligns with the focus of youth participation in climate negotiations at COP28, which will have the first Youth Climate Champion with a Ministerial role.
The group included students from 57 different nationalities, setting the record for most nationalities attending a climate change awareness lesson.
The attempt was launched by Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment. She says, “COP28 is set to be the most inclusive COP to date, and today we have made record-breaking history, while ensuring so many of our youth have a better understanding of the challenges we all face.”
“Our aspiration is to transform the UAE into one of the most climate-conscious nations on earth. To do that we need to ensure our youth not only understand the challenges and issues we collectively face but how they can become more involved in our journey to climate neutrality.”
Sahar Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Education says, “We believe that education plays a pivotal role in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens and empowering them to drive positive change. Today’s youth are not just the leaders of the future; they are the changemakers of today. Their proactive engagement in addressing climate change underscores the critical role they play in accelerating global sustainability efforts. This milestone inspires us to push the boundaries of sustainability further and reinforces our mission to empower the next generation with the knowledge, passion, and responsibility to make a lasting impact on our planet.”
Anthony O’Sullivan, UAE Managing Partner, EY adds, “The advocacy of youth inclusion at COP28 UAE will set the stage for today’s youth to be heard and take action to effect climate change policies as the global leaders of tomorrow.”
Climate Fresk Founder Cédric Ringenbach says, “Our ambition is to create a growing network of people who can pass on this quality climate education to reach a social tipping point that will help guide us to a low carbon world.”
Climate Fresk prompts participants to take constructive action to help tackle climate change.
The event concluded with the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi providing all participants in the record-breaking attempt with an ‘Energy Kit’, which includes tips, advice and behaviour-nudging interventions to enable the students to take more sustainable actions.
