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Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) conducted the 24^th cycle of the Annual Inter-School Environmental Public Speaking Competition from 13^th May – 16^th May  2024 at the GEMS Modern Academy in Dubai.  The bilingual (Arabic/English) competition witnessed attendance of  610 participants and 94 teams. Since its inception, this competition has witnessed the participation of 1,659 schools and 11,255 students representing all educational models from private, to public, to home schooled and determination.  This educational programme was initiated in 2001 with the aim of bringing together the youth from both private and public schools in the UAE and empower them by creating a platform where they can openly share their views, concerns on pressing environmental issues that affects all life on this planet and suggest innovative solutions. Over the course of nearly a quarter century, this campaign has grown tremendously. What was a 1-day programme gained popularity and became a 2-day programme and now it has become a full-fledged 4-day programme. Its authenticity, competitiveness, fairness garnered recognition in the academic field in the country and thus to accommodate more students, the competition automatically grew to what it is today.

This competition is held annually in April to commemorate the Globally celebrated Earth Day (22^nd of April), we have had to postpone it this year to 13^th of May because of the unprecedented rains that the country witnessed during that period. The competition brings together students from all the 7 emirates and from the different curriculum who come prepared on to the provided platform to address pre-selected topics given to them at the beginning of the year. Each day a different topic is presented based on four different environmental issues. The students started their preparations in January, and in April they brought all their research and as a team of three or five, presented their findings, bringing vital discussions on a local, regional, and international level.

As the Year of Sustainability has been extended by H.H. the President of the UAE. This competition remains as one of the best platforms that promote environmental education and awareness as well as critical thinking amongst the youth This nation-wide competition contributes effectively to the sustainable development efforts of the UAE. One of the key focus areas is  the collaborative efforts and the building of team work. This competition is made possible with the coming of board of supporting entities. EEG was delighted to have Gems Modern Academy as the host of the competition, Abela & Co for coming on board and providing the catering for two days. EEG is delighted to have McDonald’s UAE and UPS for coming on board as co-sponsors for this cycle.

EEG as an accredited NGO of the United Nations Environment Programme, helped to directly address the deliverables of several UN SDG Goals through this competition including UN SDG #3: Good Health and Well-Being, #4: Quality Education, #7: Affordable and Clean Energy, #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, #12: Responsible Consumption and Production, #13: Climate Action, #14: Life Below Water, #15: Life on Land and #17: Partnership for the Goals.

EEG chairperson, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar’ashi in her speech stated that, “For nearly a quarter of a century, this competition has helped thousands of students to develop their skills and put forth the effort to showcase their critical thinking, leadership, oration, teamwork and innovation skills. EEG started its environmental movement in 1991 with a small group of like-minded individuals who wanted to raise awareness and take action to protect the environment. Over the years we channelled these efforts into new avenues. With in just a decade and in 2001, we started our educational department and rolled out our educational programmes, projects and competitions to reach a wider audience and cover every corner of this young and beautiful country.”.

The competition is divided into two categories. The Sub Senior Category competition is directed towards students belonging to the age group13 – 15 years, they competed on two topics:

1. Greennovation: Envisioning Cities of Tomorrow
2. Pending Eco-Excursions: Conservation & Sustainable Tourism

The Senior Category competition was for students between16 – 18 years of age, who competed under the topics:

3. Harmonised Communities: Leading Climate Conscious Society?
4. Benevolence of Oceans: Comprehending Planetary Security

 Inclusivity is one of the characteristics of this competition and this year was not different. In this 24^th cycle, the competition witnessed the participation  of a people of determination team from Ibn Seena School, Abu Dhabi. Their performace in sign language along with the well researched data shared with the audience earned them a winning position on the third day of the competition.

To ensure fairness and unbiases, EEG brought together 8 bilingual jury members, who are experts in the fields of the chosen topics and work in the sustainability field. On the fourth day of the competition students from Gems Modern Academic School , performed a special song for the closing ceremony.

The winners of the 24^rd cycle of Inter School Environmental Public Speaking competition are: