The climate crisis is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, especially in our region, impacting every aspect of life. The urgency to address climate change requires innovative and inclusive approaches that actively promote the participation of youth and women in climate action. By harnessing their potential and providing them with opportunities to engage in climate action, we can unlock their creativity, resilience, and ability to drive transformative change. It’s only through cooperation, the sharing of knowledge and innovation that we can grapple with adapt to our changing climate and mitigate the consequences.
In this light, I was delighted to participate in an excellent panel hosted by AIWF’s Global Benefactor Partner PepsiCo, in collaboration with the League of Arab States, titled ‘Unlocking Opportunities in the Middle East: Catalyzing the Potential of Youth and Women in Climate Action’. The panel discussion was designed to shed light on the importance of inclusion of youth and gender in shaping climate-related policies; highlight the importance of harnessing the potential of youth and women, which can provide innovative and feasible solutions across the Arab region; and importantly, to highlight key initiatives and activities that are inspiring governments and the private sector.
Expertly moderated by Tala Alem, Senior Representative of PepsiCo in Sustainability, Corporate Communication and Strategy, the panel welcomed my fellow speakers Sahar Al Bazar, President of the Forum of Young MPs-IPU; and Haya Aseer, Arab Youth Center. In my intervention, I was pleased to share cross-cutting solutions and strategies to drive collaboration, experience exchange and action, in the spirit of inclusion and innovation. I extend my warm thanks to Eugene Willemsen, CEO of PepsiCo, and to the outstanding PepsiCo team for the invitation to participate, and also to the League of Arab States, which AIWF has worked with closely on numerous initiatives over the past two decades.
Dr Haifa Al Kaylani
President & Founder
Arab International Women’s Forum
