BLOG: The NEP Experience

In tandem with the 8 academic modules of NEP 3.0, participants are undertaking three learning journeys designed to accelerate their development as experts and future leaders: an AI Journey, a Values-Inspired Leadership Journey, and a COP28 Journey. 

As the UAE prepares to host COP28 in November and December, climate action is top of mind for the nation. The UAE unveiled its Net Zero by 2050 initiative in 2021, committing to extensive change across sectors including energy, economy, agriculture, and the environment. With 2023 also named the Year of Sustainability, each participant’s sector is focused on innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

The COP28 Journey will help participants gain a deep understanding of the impact these strategies will have on the UAE and on their sectors. The most important outcomes of the journey are two group research projects whose key findings and conclusions will be presented at COP28.

From April through to the start of COP28, participants are working in teams to co-author two white papers on aspects of the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy :

• Food Systems: How can the world mobilize private players driving commitments and finance towards a resilient and sustainable global food supply?
  • Team captain: Hamad Al Shehhi, Investment Manager at ADQ
  • Team members: Maitha Al Hameli, Hareth Alhashmi, Aisha Al Matrooshi, and Eman Al Mughairy
• Financing the Energy Transition: What are the key enablers for doubling green hydrogen production by 2030, and how can the UAE develop effective financing mechanisms to support the transition to green hydrogen?
  • Team captains: Saood Alnoori, Head of Diplomatic Engagement at the Office of the UAE Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Mohamed Tarmoom, Senior Associate of UAE Investments at Mubadala Investment Company
  • Team members: Fatima Rashid Al-Ali, Eng. Salama Alfalasi, Talal Faris, Waheeda Alhadhrami, Abdulla Alhaidan, Abdulla Alshehhi, Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari, Dr. Ameena Al-Sumaiti

During Module 6, the teams presented their topics to the cohort, with BCG experts on hand as a sounding board.

While several 3.0 participants are directly involved with climate action in their professional role and even attended COP27, for others, the COP28 Journey is their first deep dive into the details of the landmark climate summit and the UAE’s sustainability commitments. 

To demystify the background, process, key issues, and calls to action of the Conference of the Parties, McGill University professor Sébastien Jodoin led a virtual “COP 101” session in February. During Module 3, NEP Fellows Abdulla Al Remeithi and Omar Al Braiki met with the cohort to share their experience as professionals focused on climate change. Finally, in Module 4, BCG’s Climate Fresk workshop introduced the scientific bases underlying climate change and showed participants how to identify the pathways countries and businesses may take to reach net zero.

The NEP 3.0 cohort aims to present this body of knowledge, including strategies for the future of their sectors, at COP28. 

Stay tuned for more details on the other two journeys of NEP 3.0!