The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt partners with Egyptian motorcyclist, adventurer, and World Records holder Ali Abdo for the “Ride to COP 28” initiative promoting urgent climate action.
In a display of unwavering determination and commitment to address the pressing issue of climate change, and with the backing of UNDP, Ali Abdo embarked on an extraordinary journey in 2022, covering an impressive 12,749 kilometers on an electric motorbike over the course of 30 days. This remarkable journey, aptly named ‘The Ride to COP27,’ culminated with his arrival atthe COP27 climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, after an inspiring trip that spanned from October 10 to November 8, 2022.
Building upon the resounding success of the “Ride to COP27” initiative, which effectively heightened awareness about climate change in the Middle East through community engagement, youth empowerment, and the use of clean power transportation, UNDP is delighted to extend its support to this years’ “Ride to COP28.” This time, Mr. Abdo will spearhead the “Green Road to COP28,” a transformative 60-day expedition that will traverse eight Arab countries, conveying the vital message of sustainability, climate action, and youth empowerment.
The “Ride to COP28” expedition will commence at the heart of COP27, Sharm El Sheikh International Conference Center, and culminate at the site of COP28, Expo City Dubai, where he will join COY18. Along the way, Mr. Abdo will traverse Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates on electric motorbikes.
During his journey in Egypt, Mr. Abdo will visit several key UNDP Egypt supported projects and locations to promote climate action and sustainability, including the installations of solar power stationsat the Grand Egyptian Museum, our Bike Sharing Program at Fayoum University, our Climate Change Adaptation project in Damietta, solar power stations in Sharm El Sheikh, and protected areas with solar installations in Nabq and Ras Mohamed.
This multifaceted initiative seeks to raise awareness about the urgent need for climate action, empower Arab youth to address climate challenges, and provide a platform for sharing success stories and sustainable solutions.
This initiative is also held in collaboration with the League of Arab States – General Secretariat, local NGO Earth’s Climate for Sustainable Development and is sponsored by the Ministry of Youth & Sports of Egypt and the Egyptian Ministry of Environment, to champion climate action, foster meaningful dialogues, and pave the way for innovative solutions that drive sustainable transformation.
The “Ride to COP28” is an expedition that transcends borders. As this remarkable journey unfolds, it will undoubtedly inspire individuals and nations to join hands and embark on their unique paths towards a greener, more sustainable future.
As Ali Abdo and his team prepare to hit the road in just a few days, We would like to share with you the main 10 activities they have planned for their visit to each of the 8 countries on their journey through Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates to participate in COP28 and COY18 .
- Multi-Country Exploration: Visiting 8 countries allows us to witness firsthand the diverse climate-related challenges and solutions that each region faces, fostering a global perspective on climate action.
- City Hopping: By traveling through over 40 cities, we can observe various urban sustainability initiatives, such as Eco-friendly transportation, renewable energy projects, and green infrastructure, all contributing to climate resilience.
- 100 Days of Adventure: This extended journey enables us to engage in a wide range of climate-related activities, from tree planting and beach cleanups to attending climate conferences, demonstrating the importance of sustained effort in addressing climate change.
- Climate Change Education: Empowering 40,000 young individuals with climate change training resources helps build a knowledgeable and passionate generation capable of advocating for climate action and sustainable practices.
- Startup Success Stories: Highlighting 24 startups dedicated to environmental sustainability showcases the role of innovation in addressing climate challenges and the potential for green business solutions.
- Innovative Climate Solutions: Featuring 24 groundbreaking climate ideas emphasizes the importance of creativity and technology in finding effective solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
- Pitching Competitions: Hosting pitching competitions encourages the development of climate-focused innovations and provides a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their climate solutions.
- Policy and Decision-Maker Dialogues: Engaging policymakers and decision-makers in climate discussions underscores the need for political commitment and collaboration in enacting policies that promote sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Guinness World Records: Setting a new Guinness World Record draws attention to the urgency of climate action, inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide to strive for ambitious environmental goals.
- Community Engagement: Connecting with diverse communities impacted by climate change highlights the human dimension of the issue, fostering empathy and encouraging collective action to address climate-related challenges on a local level.
