Growing ‘eco-anxiety’ among the world’s youth is a documented phenomenon – finding work and building skills within the green economy is one key way of helping build eco-optimism instead.

Speakers at COP28 attempted to answer the question of how we can build the capacity and skills for youth to develop a successful green career at a panel session on 4 December.

Investing in skills building now, in preparation for job opportunities in the future, was identified as one of the first steps. This means properly understanding what skills will be needed in future and building a competence-based curriculum at schools and universities.

However, it is not just about the future jobs market – panellists spoke of difficulty finding people with the right skillsets to fill positions available now. Hands-on experience in the energy transition was one example given.

The problem is these opportunities remain inaccessible for many, and not all companies have the resources to be able to offer the training to build the workforce they need.

Governments have a responsibility to help build up workforces and help prioritise the sectors where jobs will be needed in future.

At DP World, we believe that by reimagining how the next generation learns at the early stages, we can make a sustainable existence a way of life.

That is why we have created an education strategy that focuses on three key areas. One of those areas is Skills of the Future, where we create opportunities for students to apply their skills through work experience, internships and career workshops.

Ocean climate solutions

In a separate session on Monday, panellists discussed climate mitigation, adaptation and capacity building as it relates to the ocean.

The ocean is considered to present a huge opportunity to help tackle the climate change challenge. However, a significant knowledge gap exists which is preventing the ocean from being properly considered in climate change plans.

Science is very much at the heart of identifying the solutions, as well as establishing whether they are scalable and practical, the panel highlighted.

Partnerships and a ‘whole of society’ approach are also needed. A focus on breaking down silos and building collaboration between the public and private sectors is part of this.

Decarbonising ocean transport is a large part of ensuring an equitable and sustainable ocean ecosystem and economy. This relies on systems transformation and bringing together factors including policy, technology, finance, and demand.

At DP World, we recognise that the ocean is vital to our business and an important economic driver. We are focused on blue carbon initiatives, including the planting of mangroves.

Additionally, we continue to support ocean health and communities around the world with our partners, such as the UN Global Compact and Blue Marine Foundation.