International Impact

Climate Action, Global Impact

From COP28 to the World Economic Forum — championing youth inclusion, climate justice, and social empowerment on the world stage.

COP28 — Dubai, 2023

Youth Climate Champion

The first-ever Youth Climate Champion for a UN Climate Conference — a role created to ensure the most consequential climate negotiations of the decade centred the voices of young people.

In January 2023, H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui was appointed as the inaugural Youth Climate Champion for COP28 — the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference hosted in Dubai. In this ministerial-level role, she was responsible for mainstreaming youth participation across every track of the UNFCCC negotiation process.

Her mandate extended beyond symbolic representation. She championed concrete structural reforms: providing young delegates with the resources, training, and logistical support needed to meaningfully contribute to negotiations — not merely observe them. She elevated voices from the Global South, indigenous communities, and climate-vulnerable nations.

"Youth inclusion in climate diplomacy should not be a favour — it must be the new normal. Young people are most affected by climate change, and they bring the innovation and fresh perspectives that complex climate challenges demand."
— H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui, COP28
January 2023
Appointed Youth Climate Champion
Named as the first-ever holder of this new ministerial-level position, created specifically for COP28.
October 2023
Youth4Climate Summit
Led the pre-COP28 Youth4Climate Summit, convening hundreds of young climate advocates from 100+ countries.
November–December 2023
COP28 Proceedings
Ensured youth representation in negotiation rooms, side events, and ministerial roundtables throughout the conference.
Recognition
First Class Order of Zayed II
Awarded the distinguished state honour for her exceptional service as COP28 Youth Climate Champion.

Global Stage

International Engagements

A trusted voice in the world's most influential governance and policy forums.

World Economic Forum
Regular speaker and panellist at WEF Davos and regional summits — addressing youth empowerment, social inclusion, and the intersection of technology and governance. Recognised as a Young Global Leader.
United Nations
Addressed the UN General Assembly and participated in high-level UNFCCC sessions. Previously served as a public policy analyst at the UAE Mission to the UN — bringing first-hand experience of multilateral diplomacy.
Global Policy Forums
Active participant in G20 social development tracks, Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings, and Arab League summits — advocating for inclusive governance frameworks and cross-border collaboration.
H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui at Special Olympics event

Sports & Empowerment

Special Olympics Leadership

As Chairperson of Special Olympics UAE since 2017, H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui has championed sports as one of the most powerful tools for social integration, self-expression, and empowerment of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Under her leadership, Special Olympics UAE expanded its programming, athlete base, and community reach — culminating in the UAE's preparations for and hosting of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, one of the largest humanitarian sporting events in the Middle East's history.

Chair of the Board since 2017 — longest-serving chairperson
Instrumental in the 2019 Abu Dhabi World Games — 7,500+ athletes from 190+ nations
Expanded Unified Sports programmes — integrating athletes with and without disabilities

Global Reach

Diplomatic Footprint

A presence across four continents — representing the UAE's vision for inclusive, youth-centred governance in capitals and forums worldwide.

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Middle East & North Africa
UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco
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Europe
United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Germany, Belgium
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Asia-Pacific
India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia
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Americas
United States, Brazil, Canada, Mexico
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Nations Visited
0
Keynote Addresses
0
International Forums
4
Continents Represented