The Diplomat
On the occasion of World Children’s Day, the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Spain organized a soccer match for the AD Sporting Hortaleza youth team in Madrid. The initiative aimed to “raise awareness about the upcoming COP28 conference scheduled to be held in Dubai, emphasizing the UAE’s vision of involving everyone, especially children and youth, in the global effort to combat climate change,” the Emirati Embassy said in a press release.
The event, which brought together youth and children’s players from diverse cultures, highlighted “the United Arab Emirates’ dedication to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age“. Through sports and recreational activities, the embassy sought to communicate the urgency of climate action and instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment among the younger generation.
Ambassador Omar Obaid Al Shamsi expressed his delight at seeing the participating children enjoying the match and noted that “our initiative goes beyond a mere soccer match; it aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of inclusiveness and collective action against climate change. By engaging children and youth, we hope to inspire a generation that values and actively contributes to environmental conservation.”
This children’s soccer match served as a prelude to the upcoming COP28 conference, where the UAE aims to play a pivotal role in addressing global environmental challenges.
