We cannot underestimate the impact of climate change on children’s health and well-being, especially in the early years (0-8). This December, Capita will host a series of discussions at COP28 in Dubai. We aim to capitalize on COP28 as a critical moment and space to position the early years as central to achieving sustainability globally.
Are you attending COP28 in Dubai? Join us at the Greening Education Hub in the Green Zone (public tickets available here).
Follow our WhatsApp channel Capita@COP28 for daily updates and insights throughout COP28.
List of Events
Adventures in Adaptation: Designing Play Spaces for Extreme Climate
Friday, December 1st
Education Hub, Green Zone
5:15 - 6:15 PM GST
This session will delve into learning and building the resilience of public areas for families and children at a neighborhood scale, especially in light of extreme climate events. We will investigate and share strategies to adapt a network of play spaces, yards, green areas, and public spaces to better respond to the triad of challenges posed by extreme heat, flooding, and deteriorating air quality.
SPEAKERS:
Erion Veliaj, Mayor, Tirana, Albania
Hamda Al Hashmi, Director Urban Design, DMT (moderator)
Selva Gurdogan, Partner, Superpool
Ankita Chachra, Senior Fellow, Capita
Protecting Maternal and Child Mental Health: Social Connection in the Era of Climate Hazards
Sunday, December 3rd
Education Hub, Green Zone
1:30 - 2:30 PM GST
This session will focus on the intersection of climate change and maternal and child mental health. It will delve into the implications of climate hazards on young children's and their families' well-being, shedding light on the pressing issues of eco-anxiety among new parents, particularly mothers. Speakers will share insights on how social connections, a harmonious relationship with nature, and resilient community resources serve as cornerstones for promoting mental health amongst mothers and children, especially in the context of the changing climate.
SPEAKERS:
Ankita Chachra, Senior Fellow, Capita (moderator)
Santiago Sandoval, Secretary of Environment, Municipality of Quito
Claudine Habak, Division Head of Counseling, Special Education and Neuroscience
Adaptation and Resilience: Financing the Education, Health and Development of Young Children in the Climate Era
Monday, December 4th
Education Hub, Green Zone
4:30 - 5:30 PM GST
This session will highlight the need to address equity and inclusivity in financing strategies to ensure climate adaptation efforts benefit young children and communities, especially those in marginalized groups. It aims to explore financing models and mechanisms to support climate-resilient education and healthcare systems, nutrition programs, and early childhood development interventions.
SPEAKERS:
Joe Waters, CEO, Capita (moderator)
Chavi Meattle, Manager, Climate Policy Initiative
Sana Kapadia, Director of Strategy, 2X Global
Shamma Mohammed Aljaberi, Social Contracting Division Director, MAAN
Angie Garling, Vice-President, Early Care and Education, Low Income Investment Fund
Climate Change, Early Childhood Education, and School Readiness
Wednesday, December 6th
Education Hub, Green Zone
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM GST
This session will explore the impact of climate change on early childhood development and education outcomes. It will bring together experts to discuss strategies for creating resilient early education programs that can withstand extreme weather events, and how aligning the climate movement and the early childhood field can drive positive change to ensure optimal early childhood experiences.
SPEAKERS:
Hessa Al Kaabi, Head of Executive Affairs Office, ECA (moderator)
Joe Waters, CEO, Capita
Peck Gee Chua, ECD-Climate Advisor, ARNEC
Angie Garling, Vice-President, Early Care and Education, Low Income Investment Fund
Warren Farrer, CEO, The Do More Foundation
Fuzan AlKhalidi, Director of Health, Education and Community Development Affairs, Prime Minister's Office
Green Futures: Nature-based Solutions for Climate Adaptation and Early Childhood Learning
Sunday, December 10th
Education Hub, Green Zone
1:30 - 2:30 PM GST
This session will examine the significance of nature-based solutions in climate adaptation and early childhood education. It will showcase successful cross-sectoral examples that integrate green spaces into cities to address climate challenges, enhance children's holistic development, and create significant co-benefits for the broader community.
SPEAKERS:
Brenda Kessler, Program Manager, Children & Nature Network
Angela Ibañez Gomien, Landscape Architect
Nicole Biondi, Vice Chair, Capita
Joe Waters, CEO, Capita (moderator)