More than 35 young ChangeMakers from the Middle East are participating in COP28
To make the most of the opportunities created by having MENA as the site of two successive COP meetings, global technology company SAP SE and ChangemakerXchange have brought together the region’s leading young changemakers to build their individual and organizational capacity and collaborate towards a more resilient region in the face of the growing climate crisis.
Manos Raptopoulos, President, Southern Europe Middle East and Africa, SAP, asserted that the selection of the UAE as this year’s host is testament to the Emirates’ commitment to fostering dialogue, sharing expertise, and driving global climate action. Raptopolous pointed to the importance of the dialogue being inclusive, emphasising the impact of climate change on youth.
Collaboration
SAP has collaborated with ChangemakerXchange on projects since 2016, including pioneering programmes such as the Covid-19 Collective Action Summit and the MENA Ecosystem Builder Program, as well as training regional networks in online facilitation and community building.
Raptopoulos said that in the lead-up to COP28, SAP is committed not only to reducing its own environmental impact but also amplifying the efforts of organizations like ChangemakerXchange and inspiring individuals.
Champions
In this regard he pointed to the success of two young climate champions who hail from Lebanon, Ryme Assaad and Christopher Daccache, who will represent the ChangeMakerXchange initiative at COP28.
“Their primary focus on underserved communities, especially in developing countries, underscores the urgency to provide support and assistance to those most affected by the climate crisis,” stressed Raptopoulos.
Profiles
Ryme Assaad, dedicated to amplifying the voices of young women in climate action, recognizes the importance of their unique perspectives in shaping effective climate solutions. “I have always been driven by a desire to contribute to positive change in the world,” she remarked. Assaad was spurred to action after the Lebanon Economic Crisis that began in 2019.
Christopher Daccache, a passionate AI enthusiast, is poised to make significant strides with his unique creations. At 19, he founded ‘RECYCLER‘ in Lebanon, a project specializing in solid waste management, sustainable innovation, agriculture, and environmental education.
