The COP Collection
The Power of Collective Action in the Energy Transition
Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan is an entrepreneur, thought leader, and researcher who has dedicated her career to advancing sustainability, climate action, and gender equity. In this interview, she shares her insights on the energy transition, the critical role of youth in sustainability, and the importance of collective action in solving the global climate crisis.
Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
“The energy transition will simply not be possible if stakeholders continue to work in silos.”
Her Highness Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan
Bridging Gaps to Accelerate the Energy Transition
As the President and CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA), Sheikha Shamma has played an instrumental role in the growth of the circular economy and climate action strategies in the UAE and beyond. With a deep belief that lasting change transpires when diverse stakeholders collaborate to create interconnected solutions, she has founded and led several high-impact ventures and initiatives that are helping shape a more sustainable future. As the world strives toward achieving climate goals, Sheikha Shamma emphasizes that progress can only be made if stakeholders from all sectors - public and private sectors, as well as other key organizations and players - work together toward a common mission. “The energy transition will simply not be possible if stakeholders continue to work in silos,” she notes.
This recognition was the driving force behind the creation of UICCA, an independent entity designed to bridge the gaps between different groups, fostering collaboration and action. The organization focuses on three core areas to facilitate meaningful change: providing research-backed policy advice, forming sector-specific alliances, and creating a launchpad for emerging climate technologies. “The only way forward is to bring these groups together and ensure that they are working toward a shared vision,” she explains. “Our approach is action-led, aiming to create tangible change in the energy transition while also contributing to the growth of the green economy.”
The Value of Collaboration in Achieving Climate Goals
At the heart of UICCA’s work is the belief that meaningful partnerships are essential to accelerating the energy transition. One of the standout examples of this is UICCA’s “Launchpad Programme”, which supports emerging climate technologies in the UAE and across the region. This initiative has been made possible through the collective efforts of partners, mentors, investors, and entrepreneurs who are committed to creating solutions for a more sustainable future. “The Launchpad Programme would not have been possible without the support of our partners, investors, and the entrepreneurs who are actively bringing innovations to the region,” says Sheikha Shamma. “It demonstrates what can be achieved when the ecosystem works in harmony.”
“By fostering open dialogue and collaboration between these different sectors, we were able to create a solution that would otherwise have been impossible.”
An exemplary case within this programme is the support given to UAE-based startup “PEEC Mobility”, which is facilitating the transition from petrol to electric vehicles. Initially, the company faced challenges in securing insurance for its retrofitted vehicles, as they did not fit the pre-defined models or brands used by traditional insurers. UICCA addressed this challenge by organizing a Policy Hack, which brought together stakeholders from the insurance, automotive, and government sectors. This collaboration led to the issuance of a “Minimum Viable License (MVL)”, allowing PEEC to test its vehicles under regulatory supervision. “By fostering open dialogue and collaboration between these different sectors, we were able to create a solution that would otherwise have been impossible,” Sheikha Shamma explains.
UICCA's “Launchpad Programme” supports emerging climate technologies in the UAE and across the region.
Empowering Youth to Shape the Future of Sustainability
The role of youth in driving the sustainability agenda cannot be overstated. Sheikha Shamma believes that young people are key to tackling climate change, both in the short term and over the next decades. She explains, “The youth, as a social group, are the ones who will live through the effects of the decisions that are made today. It would therefore be remiss not to take into consideration their point of view. Looking at the world through the lens of the youth can give us a much more progressive and forward-thinking view of how to overcome challenges.” UICCA’s Climate Call platform, launched last year, offers a space for young people to voice the most pressing climate challenges and propose innovative solutions. “I have seen first-hand the power of youth in driving sustainability efforts that can create significant impact today and in the longer-term, if they are given the opportunity to be heard and to execute their ideas,” she says. “They are not only able to identify problems but are also eager to offer solutions. Through the Climate Call platform, we received over 120 submissions for potential solutions to issues like water scarcity, food security, and renewable energy, from youth around the world.”
“A major component here is a shift away from traditional skill sets and … to adapt curricula to include subjects such as AI for good, nature and biodiversity, and the science of regenerative materials to name a few.”
By providing young innovators with initial grants, the platform seeks to support the scaling of their ideas into actionable solutions. In doing so, it ensures that the voices of youth are heard and that they are empowered to play an active role in shaping the future. For Sheikha Shamma, youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow - they are leaders today. “It would be remiss not to take into account their perspective when building solutions for a sustainable future. If we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we must be inclusive and ensure that no voice is left unheard.” She further elaborated, “We also have a responsibility to ensure that the youth are armed with the skills needed to tackle future challenges - a major component here is a shift away from traditional skill sets and a concerted effort from the education sector to adapt curricula to include subjects such as AI for good, nature and biodiversity, and the science of regenerative materials to name a few.”
Intergenerational Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
While youth are central to the future of sustainability, Sheikha Shamma is also a strong advocate for intergenerational collaboration. Older generations, particularly those who lived in close connection to the land and its resources, possess invaluable knowledge about sustainable practices that can still inspire innovation today. “There is so much we can learn from the traditions and practices of our ancestors, many of which were deeply rooted in sustainability,” she notes. This connection to the past is often celebrated through the initiatives of “The Climate Tribe”, a UICCA subsidiary that works to share stories of cultural practices that have stood the test of time and inspired modern climate action.
“Intergenerational knowledge-sharing is key to finding meaningful solutions.”
“Intergenerational knowledge-sharing is key to finding meaningful solutions,” she adds. “Through our workshops and community activations, we have seen firsthand the power of different generations working together. I recall one mangrove planting initiative where the youngest participant was just three years old, and the oldest was in her 80s - proof that when we collaborate across generations, we can achieve extraordinary outcomes.”
Advice for Young Climate Leaders
For young leaders passionate about tackling climate change, Sheikha Shamma’s advice is clear: “This is very much a fight, and we can only win if everyone plays an active role.” She encourages young people to take the first step by sharing their ideas, collaborating with others who align with their values, and building solutions they believe in, regardless of the challenges they may face.
“It can be daunting when you are just one person, but it’s important to remember that you are always one part of a collective and through that collective, we can achieve anything.”
The path to a sustainable future is one of collective action - uniting the knowledge and passion of individuals from all sectors and generations. As Sheikha Shamma’s work at UICCA demonstrates, collaboration is not just a strategy; it is the key to driving the meaningful change needed to accelerate the energy transition and create a more sustainable world for future generations. She concludes, “It can be daunting when you are just one person, but it’s important to remember that you are always one part of a collective and through that collective, we can achieve anything.”
