The intensifying climate crisis is causing unprecedented and irreversible damage to the environment. It’s also driving a growing number of the young population to urban areas. The average age of those who live in cities are getting younger with the majority of the three billion people under the age of 25. Youth have a huge role in impacting sustainable urban development.
To address this, Dr. Jennie Moore, BCIT Director of Institute Sustainability, has been invited by UN-Habitat to participate as a speaker in the Stakeholders Roundtable on Children and Youth at the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Jennie will be speaking about the important role that educational institutions play to empower young people in understanding global issues. As well, to help youth develop the skills needed to become effective innovators for a better future in an inclusive and sustainable world.
Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Habitat says in her invitation to Jennie, “I believe that your expertise is unparalleled and will be of great benefit to the Forum and its participants.”
During this year’s World Urban Forum, Jennie is also representing the City of Vancouver as a speaker at the WUF Legacy: Launch of the WUF Exhibition and WUF Alumni event.
“As BCIT is a people focused organization committed to helping our students make global connections to become future ready in a complex world, I am excited to share our story and learn from others at this important event” explains Jennie.
The first World Urban Forum took place in Nairobi in 2002 and was established by the United Nations to address one of the most pressing issues facing the world today: rapid urbanization and its impact on communities, cities, economies, climate change, and policies. The Forum is organized by UN-Habitat to serve as a high level, open, and inclusive platform for addressing the challenges of sustainable urbanization. This is the tenth edition of the World Urban Forum with this year’s theme as Cities of Opportunities: Connecting Culture and Innovation.
Many WUF events will be screened live via UNTV. Watch the live coverage, including the opening and closing ceremonies and the dialogues.
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Note to media: For interview opportunities with Dr. Jennie Moore, please contact Amy Chen, 778-384-7245.