Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri with the winners pose for a photo during the ceremony. WAM
The Children’s Environment Award recognised the winners of its 2020-2021 edition in the presence of Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, and Rym Abdullah Al Falasy, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood.
The Award was rolled out by the Children’s Advisory Council of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood under the patronage of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) in 2020 to mark Emirati Children’s Day with the aim of engaging the young generation in enhancing environmental sustainability. The inaugural edition was held under the theme “Conserving Biodiversity.”
Abdullah Mohammed Al Dhaheri was awarded the best short story, Maryam Yosef Al Martzouqi for the best artwork, Ghaya Saad Al Al Ahbabi, Sarah Salem Smaid, for the best educational video and Sarah Salem Smaid, for best technical or science project.
Elizabeth Jamila Yafai, an early childhood practitioner and also known by Mama Lisa, was presented with honorary recognition for her environmental achievements during the ceremony. She launched numerous initiatives to encourage children to care about the environment throughout her career and provided guidance to parents on how to use recycled materials as learning resources.
In her keynote speech, Mariam Almheiri reiterated the UAE’s commitment to nurturing environmental skills in the young generation and involving youth in driving sustainability.
She stated, “Environmental Protection is a strategic priority. We aim to advance it through engaging all segments society, including youth, whose contributions reflect the high level of environmental awareness in our community. We are building a new generation of future environmental champions who can lead the UAE’s environmental drive that has spanned five decades and positioned our country as a leading role model for environmental work and climate action.”
She added, “The Children’s Environment Award is an important initiative that we will continue to support to raise awareness about environmental efforts in the UAE.”
Rym Al Falasiy, for her part, acknowledged the active participation in the award and said that it was a testament to the unrestrained energies, perseverance, and determination of the children of UAE. She stressed that the initiative helps foster a generation that can properly protect the environment through honing children’s knowledge and skills and educating them about environmental challenges and the positive contribution they can make to overcome these challenges.
She added, “Children’s involvement in creating and implementing environmental initiatives helps build their connection with the environment and empowers them as active actors in this space. We need to join forces to raise children’s environmental awareness and encourage them to participate in environmental drives. It is important to educate the youth about environmental issues and their economic, social, and health impacts. This will enable them to make a contribution to the sustainable development our environment and its resources.
All UAE citizens and residents were eligible to participate in the competition.
WAM