Leveraging mental modelling to craft unique solutions to climate adaptation in the Middle East a child-focused approach

A panel discussion with local and international experts from academia and humanitarian organizations and a youth activist delving into a research findings on how climate change impacts children and young people in urban contexts in the Middle East.

Aline Rahbany

Facilitator

November 5, 2024 | 13:00 - 14:30

Multipurpose room 19

World Vision International

Canada

English

Reference:

NE 19-01

WUF12

Networking Events

Summary

World Vision Middle East and Eastern Europe (WV MEER), the American University of Beirut (AUB), and Beirut Urban Lab (BUL) have joined forces to understand how climate change impacts children and young people in the Middle East, and how they view local efforts to address it. They analyzed data through a special approach called "mental modelling" to understand how young people in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Jerusalem-West Bank experience climate change in their daily lives.

An upcoming event will feature a panel discussion with local and international experts from academia and humanitarian organizations. They will delve into the study's findings and recommendations. The panel will also include a young person from the region who will share their firsthand experience with climate change and advocate for stronger action to protect future generations and resources.

Objectives

This event will explore how vulnerable children and youth (CAY) in the Middle East view climate challenges and opportunities. We will provide actionable insights for urban actors to empower them to engage more effectively in localized climate action and build resilience in their communities.
The discussion will aim to emphasize the importance of youth-centric climate initiatives in inclusive decision-making, aiming to empower the region's growing youth population in climate policy and decision-making.
Key themes are outlined below:
1) Exploring “Home” in Climate-Vulnerable Middle East Countries: insights on how CAY in climate-vulnerable countries perceive their "home" in the context of climate change, including their emotional attachment to their surroundings, sense of security, and visions for a sustainable future.
2) Outlining the gendered impacts of climate change in the region: the impact of climate change on girls & women in particular who become more vulnerable to multiple forms of GBV because of climate change.
3) Identifying Local Perspectives on Environmental Action: presenting nuanced views of CAY and stakeholders that
provide an understanding of barriers that face diverse urban actors and their perceptions of engaging with
climate change adaptation and mitigation at the local level.
4) Engaging in Youth-Centric Climate Action: outlining pathways for involving urban stakeholders in youth climate
initiatives and policies stressing the role of inclusive decision-making.