‘Climate anxiety placing immense burden on youth', hears University of Birmingham Dubai panel
According to the World Economic Forum, 66 per cent of those aged 18 to 24 in the Middle East and North Africa are deeply concerned about the long-term implications of climate change.
A high-level panel hosted by the University of Birmingham Dubai and joined by school students heard that the uncertainty around climate change is being compounded in the digital age, where news runs 24/7 and doomscrolling is rife enough to have an official name.
Moderating the panel, Dr Rasha Bayoumi, Head of Research, University of Birmingham Dubai, said: 'Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is already transforming our environments, economies, and our mental health. As a civic university and part of the UAE Universities Climate Network, we are aiming to connect youth with mental health advocates and policymakers to drive conversations, inform new research, and equip young people with the tools they need. This isn't just about making young voices heard, it's about helping youth to understand that the power to shape their future is in their hands.'
The panel included Maricor Muzones, UAE Climate Adaptation Lead, Global Green Growth Institute; Ahmed Al Ghardaqa, President, Arab Youth Council for Climate Change; Farah Dahabi, Director of Crisis and Trauma Service, The Lighthouse Arabia; and Tejal Gupta, Student, University of Birmingham Dubai.
'Climate anxiety begins when we relinquish control — when we no longer see ourselves as actors or contributors to meaningful action. But we refuse to be sidelined. We are reclaiming the narrative, recognizing that climate change doesn't affect everyone equally, and that vulnerability must be central to any policy response. Education becomes our greatest tool — not just to inform, but to empower, to operationalize solutions, and to build synergy across levels of action. We are not at a dead end. We are consolidating efforts, reasserting agency, and stepping into our role as architects of a just, inclusive climate future,' said Maricor Muzones, UAE Climate Adaptation Lead, Global Green Growth Institute.
Ahmed Al Ghardaqa, President, Arab Youth Council for Climate Change said: 'Climate anxiety is not just a psychological experience – it is an emotional reaction to systemic failures. We are living through disasters in real-time – unfiltered pain and loss. Across the region, youth are stepping into diplomacy, shaping climate negotiations, and building movements grounded in justice and urgency. Social media plays a dual role; it can heighten anxiety, but is also a powerful tool for advocacy: it amplifies our voices, connects us across borders, and drives collective action.'
On her part, Farah Dahabi, Director of Crisis and Trauma Service, The Lighthouse Arabia said: "There is no perfect climate advocate – only a present one. Climate anxiety is not something we fix or escape, but something we learn to move with. It's a natural emotional response to an overwhelming crisis, and acknowledging that – without shame – is the first step to building resilience. When we give ourselves permission to rest and reset, we create space not just for healing, but for more authentic, sustainable engagement.'
Representing the University of Birmingham Dubai on the panel, Tejal Gupta, said: 'It's a paradox. You feel terrible, forget, get reminded, and feel helpless again. It's traumatic to be told the world is burning—and you can't do anything about it. As students, we are constantly reminded of the future we are inheriting, primarily shaped by climate uncertainty. But through platforms like this, we are also reminded of the power we hold to influence change. It was empowering to engage with experts and policymakers who are genuinely listening to and valuing youth perspectives. That kind of recognition turns anxiety into agency.'
As well as the high-level panel discussion, the event featured a Youth Policy Lab exploring the link between climate change, social media, and mental health, while identifying pathways for youth empowerment. The Lab brought together students from Greenwood International School and Dubai English Speaking School for a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions.
The event concluded with a unified call to action, highlighting the critical need to integrate mental health considerations into climate policy frameworks.
For more information or interviews, please contact Disha Dadlani on ddadlani@apcoworldwide.com
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is ranked among the world's top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham and Dubai, including researchers and teachers and more than 8,000 international students from more than 150 countries.
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/dubai
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
12 hours ago
- Zawya
Al Jalila Foundation supports 60 organ transplant patients through 'Your Donation Saves Lives' campaign
Dr. Amer Al Zarooni: Your Donation Saves Lives campaign has now evolved into a permanent initiative under the Foundation's A'awen program. Dubai, United Arab Emirates – Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, announced that it has contributed to saving the lives of 60 patients by supporting organ transplant surgeries as part of the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. The announcement coincides with World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on 13 August, and reflects the Foundation's long-term commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and fostering a culture of organ donation as a humanitarian value. Since its launch in April 2021, the campaign has supported 60 transplant procedures, including 53 kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. Among these are 24 children with kidney failure and 5 children with liver failure. As part of this program, the Foundation continues to support more than 65 patients with life-saving transplants, who are unable to access or afford specialized care. These efforts are aligned with the goals of HAYAT, the National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and are carried out in partnership with Dubai Health's integrated academic health system. From Campaign to Permanent Program Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign has now evolved into a permanent initiative under the Foundation's A'awen program, which provides financial assistance to patients in need of critical medical treatment across the UAE, a step that aligns with Dubai Health's commitment, 'Patient First'. 'On World Organ Donation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, individuals and institutions alike, who contributed to both the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. Their support represents a powerful model of human solidarity, with the first edition alone helping to fund nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai,' said Dr. Al Zarooni. He also extended his appreciation to living organ donors and to the families of deceased donors, saying: 'Your compassion has given others a second chance at life. We thank you for your extraordinary generosity.' Ensuring Safe, Successful Transplants Dr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Health, explained that the medical team works collaboratively to thoroughly evaluate both the donor and the recipient before transplantation, ensuring the highest possible long-term success rates. 'We conduct comprehensive assessments of kidney function and immune compatibility between the donor and recipient, along with detailed medical and surgical evaluations that include lab tests and imaging studies to ensure the success of the transplant. We also follow up with patients regularly after the procedure to ensure adherence to the treatment plan and to closely monitor kidney function.' Regarding living donors, Dr. Al Hinnawi noted that they undergo meticulous evaluations, including assessment of the kidneys, functional testing, and screening for any infectious or cancerous conditions, in addition to psychological and social assessments. He added that all cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary medical committee to determine donor eligibility, ensuring the highest levels of safety for both donor and recipient. A Lifeline for Patients in Need Al Jalila Foundation continues to welcome donations through A'awen, offering individuals and organizations the opportunity to fund life-changing programs that enhance well-being and provide essential medical care. The first edition of the campaign was launched in April 2021 in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. The second edition took place in September 2024 and concluded in December of the same year, as part of a collaboration between the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Al Jalila Foundation, and Emarat Al Youm newspaper. Transplant surgeries were conducted in partnership with Dubai Health's Dubai Hospital and Al Jalila Children's Hospital, alongside Mediclinic City Hospital and King's College Hospital London in Dubai. Stories of Hope Yousef's New Beginning Among the beneficiaries of the campaign, is the child Yousef Jashim, who underwent a kidney transplant with the support of Al Jalila Foundation. Yousef suffered from constant fatigue and recurring pain and was undergoing regular dialysis sessions that significantly affected his daily life and imposed strict dietary restrictions. When he turned fourteen, the doctors informed his family of the necessity of a kidney transplant as an essential step in his treatment journey. Al Jalila Foundation's support was instrumental, helping the family cover the cost of the surgery. Following the transplant, Yousef's life transformed. He regained his energy and no longer required dialysis. His mother expressed deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, the medical teams involved in his care, and the wider community whose support helped save her son's life. Roula's Healing Journey Roula Tabba'a is also among the beneficiaries of the campaign, following a long journey with kidney failure. She underwent dialysis three times a week, which caused severe physical and emotional exhaustion. Her condition was first diagnosed in 2016, and she underwent several surgeries. Al Jalila Foundation covered the cost of her dialysis sessions and medical tests, eventually supporting her inclusion in the kidney transplant program. After years of waiting, Roula received a life-changing call from the medical team confirming that she had been approved for the procedure. Thanks to the dedication of the medical staff, the transplant was successful. Her life was completely transformed following the surgery, she no longer needed dialysis and regained her ability to move freely, travel, and live independently. Roula expressed her deep gratitude to Al Jalila Foundation, saying its support not only saved her life, but also restored hope and stability for her entire family. -Ends- About Al Jalila Foundation Established in April 2013 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Jalila Foundation, leads the giving mission of Dubai Health, to advance health for humanity. The foundation provides essential treatment for those unable to afford healthcare, funds scholarships for medical professionals, and supports pioneering research addressing critical health conditions. As a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives and leader of the A'awen program, Al Jalila Foundation continues to serve as a beacon of hope for patients and their families.
Zawya
13 hours ago
- Zawya
Comprehensive plan to enhance radiology services at Emirates Health Services
United Arab Emirates – Dubai: Emirates Health Services (EHS) has announced the rollout of a series of developmental initiatives to modernize radiology services as part of a comprehensive strategy to elevate the quality of preventive and diagnostic care. These efforts align with the UAE's digital transformation goals and vision to enhance quality of life. Dr. Amina Al Jasmi, Director of the Radiology Department at EHS, stated that the plan focuses on expanding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical imaging, redesigning workflows to streamline patient journeys, upgrading equipment, and boosting the technical and operational infrastructure of radiology departments. Dr. Amina emphasized EHS's commitment to achieving the highest standards of accuracy and efficiency in medical imaging while advancing radiology's role in the broader digital healthcare transformation. She noted that these initiatives reflect EHS's dedication to innovation and excellence, paving the way for a qualitative leap in service quality. She added that EHS is currently enhancing radiology infrastructure across multiple facilities by deploying advanced digital imaging systems, high-resolution ultrasound technologies, and smart interfaces to support clinical decision-making. Imaging rooms are also being redesigned to prioritize patient comfort. AI-Driven Solutions for Early Detection of Cancer, Lung Disease, and Osteoporosis Regarding AI integration, Dr. Amina revealed that EHS has activated a suite of smart solutions in four key areas, including early breast cancer detection via mammogram analysis, chest imaging analysis for lung diseases such as tuberculosis, automated detection of subtle fractures invisible to the naked eye, and proactive osteoporosis diagnosis through analysis of X-rays performed for other diagnostic purposes. Tangible Improvements in Service Quality and Faster Diagnoses Dr. Amina highlighted that AI adoption has significantly improved image quality and reduced diagnosis times, enhancing patient experiences. The need for repeat breast imaging visits dropped by 88%, while diagnostic wait times decreased from 19 days to just one day, enabling a 'same-day diagnosis' model. Seamless Integration with Digital Systems Dr. Amina stressed that these technologies complement clinical teams by boosting precision and efficiency. Radiology services are now fully integrated with EHS's digital platforms, linking imaging reports and appointment services to its smart app. This allows patients to access results, book appointments, or make adjustments electronically. She concluded that EHS's digital transformation fosters integrated, innovative, and secure healthcare solutions, delivering faster, more reliable services in line with the UAE's vision for a comprehensive and advanced digital health ecosystem.
Khaleej Times
13 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Campaign saves 60 lives through organ transplant surgeries
The lives of 60 patients have been saved through organ transplant surgeries since 2021 as a part of the 'Your Donation Saves Lives' campaign by Al Jalila Foundation. The foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, announced this figure ahead of World Organ Donation Day, observed annually on August 13. Since its launch in April 2021, the campaign has supported 60 transplant procedures, including 53 kidney transplants and 7 liver transplants. Among these are 24 children with kidney failure and 5 children with liver failure. These efforts are aligned with the goals of HAYAT, the National Program for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation and are carried out in partnership with Dubai Health's integrated academic health system. Permanent programme Dr. Amer Al Zarooni, CEO of Al Jalila Foundation, announced that the campaign has now evolved into a permanent initiative under the Foundation's A'awen program, which provides financial assistance to patients in need of critical medical treatment across the UAE. 'On World Organ Donation Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting patients with organ failure and extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, individuals and institutions alike, who contributed to both the first and second editions of the Your Donation Saves Lives campaign. Their support represents a powerful model of human solidarity, with the first edition alone helping to fund nearly 30% of all organ transplants performed in Dubai,' said Dr. Al Zarooni. He also extended his appreciation to living organ donors and to the families of deceased donors, saying, 'Your compassion has given others a second chance at life. We thank you for your extraordinary generosity.' Al Jalila Foundation continues to welcome donations through A'awen. Changing lives Among the beneficiaries of the campaign, is Yousef Jashim, who underwent a kidney transplant. Yousef suffered from constant fatigue and recurring pain and was undergoing regular dialysis sessions that significantly affected his daily life and imposed strict dietary restrictions. When he turned fourteen, the doctors informed his family of the necessity of a kidney transplant. Al Jalila Foundation helped the family cover the cost of the surgery. Following the transplant, Yousef regained his energy and no longer required dialysis. Roula Tabba'a is another patient who benefitted from this programme. She underwent dialysis three times a week, which caused severe physical and emotional exhaustion. Her condition was first diagnosed in 2016, and she underwent several surgeries. Al Jalila Foundation covered the cost of her dialysis sessions and medical tests, and added her to the kidney transplant programme. After years of waiting, Roula received a life-changing call from the medical team confirming that she had been approved for the procedure. Thanks to the dedication of the medical staff, the transplant was successful. Her life was completely transformed following the surgery, she no longer needed dialysis and regained her ability to move freely, travel, and live independently. Safe, successful transplants Dr. Ashraf Al Hinnawi, Consultant Transplant Surgeon at Dubai Health, explained that the medical team works collaboratively to thoroughly evaluate both the donor and the recipient before transplantation, ensuring the highest possible long-term success rates. 'We conduct comprehensive assessments of kidney function and immune compatibility between the donor and recipient, along with detailed medical and surgical evaluations that include lab tests and imaging studies to ensure the success of the transplant. We also follow up with patients regularly after the procedure to ensure adherence to the treatment plan and to closely monitor kidney function.' Living donors undergo meticulous evaluations, including assessment of the kidneys, functional testing, and screening for any infectious or cancerous conditions, in addition to psychological and social assessments. He added that all cases are reviewed by a multidisciplinary medical committee to determine donor eligibility.
