DUBAI // More than 100 school pupils aged 12 to 18 enacted their own version of a forthcoming UN climate summit on Friday.
The children, from various schools in Sharjah and Dubai, simulated the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which takes place in Peru next month.
The pupils were divided into groups, each representing one of 25 countries, which detailed its national environmental policies.
The conference was held at Deira International School by Green Hope UAE, which strives to raise awareness of the dangers of climate change and ways in which to improve the environment.
Founder of the group, 14-year-old Dubai resident Kehkashan Basu, said organising events such as the summit helped Green Hope UAE to achieve its goals.
“We wanted to show the children how the processes actually work in the UN, and what better way to do that than if they were to do it themselves and negotiate with their peers,” she said.
“We also try to spread awareness on the dangers of climate change through music, art, dance and drama.”
Kehkashan, who was born and raised in the UAE, said she felt she was preordained to do something to help the environment.
“I have always wanted to contribute to helping the environment. I was even born on June 5, which is World Environment Day,” she said.
Komal Muthyalu, 15, head of operations at Green Hope UAE, said the organisation aimed to educate youngsters.
“We’ve been working with schoolkids since the establishment of Green Hope UAE in August 2012,” she said.
“We have worked with about 40 schools in the UAE. We believe only the children of today can save the children of tomorrow.”
For Margharitha Lacson, 15, the conference was a way to learn more about climate change as well as encourage others to take the issue seriously.
“This is learning while advocating others on how to take care of the environment,” she said.
“I learnt that, in our little ways, we can help to reduce climate change and that we are responsible for the actions that dictate our future. We shouldn’t just think about the present, but about the future.”
Children talked about how carpooling and conserving energy at home through switching off lights and washing clothes at cooler temperatures, for example, can make a difference.
Malavika Suresh, 15, said that by highlighting the dangers of climate change, people could start making changes in their lives.
“Most of these activities are to raise awareness and if people know what’s happening, they’ll be more adamant to make a difference,” she said.
“It’s possible that these conferences can encourage people to make changes in their everyday lives.”
Vaisakh Vineethan, 15, who is an active member of Green Hope UAE, said that now is the time to make a difference.
“Climate change is a very important issue we face today and if we don’t do something about it, it can have devastating effects on the environment,” he said. “I want to do something to make a change in the planet and for our society.
“It’s a very satisfying feeling to know that you are doing your part to save the planet and to ensure a safe environment for future generations.”
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae