QatarDebate hosts youth dialogue on climate action at NY summit

DOHA: In line with global efforts to empower and engage youth in shaping a more sustainable and cooperative future, Qatar Debate, one of the lead prog...

DOHA: In line with global efforts to empower and engage youth in shaping a more sustainable and cooperative future, Qatar Debate, one of the lead programming partners of the Concordia Annual Summit 2025, convened a special youth dialogue session titled ‘Shaping Tomorrow: Reflections from the Next Generation of Global Leaders.’

The session provided young leaders with a platform to share insights from their summit participation and to discuss how their aspirations can be translated into tangible actions that drive climate change and sustainable development, both locally and globally.

Held ahead of COP30 and the United Nations General Assembly, the dialogue took place in New York City on September 24, 2025, highlighting the vital role that youth play in addressing climate change and developing practical solutions to today’s accelerating environmental crises.

The session featured a distinguished lineup of youth representatives, climate and sustainability advocates, and experts in clean energy, including Alreem Al-Aqaily, Youth Advocate at QatarDebate; Maeve E. McDermott, Environmental Lawyer and Activist, QatarDebate Network; Germán Ríos, Concordia’s Global Leaders Cohort; and Hanne Lecount, Executive Director of Concordia who served as moderator.

The discussions touched on several pressing issues including the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and emerging economies; the importance of investing in climate education and environmental awareness; transforming youth-led environmental initiatives into impactful, sustainable policies; strengthening regional and international cooperation to confront climate challenges; global economy and trade; energy, environment and transition; and human rights and social progress.