Since she started her academic and career journey as a physician, she has always been connected to the environment. She deeply believes that anything that harms the environment also harms public health. She is keen to get the medical sector more involved in climate action. Bringing together her passion and profession, Dr. Omnia el-Omrani has been leaving a mark in climate action, becoming the COP27 Youth Envoy. For the first time in the history of COPs, a certain envoy is appointed to represent youth.
El-Omrani, 27, has an inspiring track record in climate advocacy, which qualified her to represent youth in this important event.
“Now it is time to turn my dream into reality,” el-Omrani said.
El-Omrani works as a resident doctor in the department of burns and plastic surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. Since 2018, she has been interested in climate issues when she joined a club for medical students. Every year, the club sends a group of medical students to attend the COP.
“I was selected to attend COP24 in Poland. I was impressed how the impacts of climate change have a direct effect on people’s health. There were only ten representatives. I was the only medical student representing Egypt,” el-Omrani told The Egyptian Mail
At COP25, el-Omrani led the medical student delegation.
“I found my real passion in climate advocacy. Then, I made a survey in 112 countries to explore whether the issue of climate change is integrated in the curricula of medical faculties or not. I found out that it only exists in less than 10 per cent of those countries. Then I published an article including these results and it has been gaining widespread reaction.”
After graduation, she also participated in numerous voluntary events and initiatives under the umbrella of the World Health Organisation (WHO), the UNICEF and the European Union.
She is also working with the scientific journal Lancet.
El-Omrani was also present at COP26 and met the British Climate Champion Nigel Topping.
“All these chances gave me the opportunity to share my views related to climate and health and enriched my experience.”
El-Omrani also spoke at Middle East and North Africa Climate Week, where she shared the panel with the Minister of International Co-operation Rania el-Mashat. She also got in touch with COP27 presidency.
As a doctor, el-Omrani always tries to help people take care of themselves regarding the water they drink, the food they eat and the air they breathe. “Climate change has a direct impact on those basic needs. More worryingly, young people are the most vulnerable to such impacts. Upcoming generations will also suffer. Keeping all this in mind, I am moving ahead with my climate action plan,” she added.
In the meantime, el-Omrani highlighted the bright side of the climate issues. “Even those negative impacts can be framed positively in terms of driving more climate actions to save our planet. For example, if we decide to ride a bike instead of drive a car, this will have positive impact on both health and environment.”
El-Omrani also hailed COP27 presidency’s decision to appoint a youth envoy, which is a striking example of youth empowerment.
“This is a big achievement for all young people worldwide. We are part of the conference presidency not just participants. Through this position, I will be able to bring youth voices throughout the conference.”
The youth envoy is currently working with the ministries of youth and foreign affairs to come up with an action plan. This action plan will be comprehensive and will empower young people in the run-up to, during and beyond COP27, el-Omrani said.
“We listen to the views and concerns of young people, especially African youth as the conference this year will take place in an African country. In parallel, we will work on enhancing intergeneration dialogue between those young people and decision makers to reach practical and viable solutions for the negative impacts of climate changes, affecting the lives of people across the globe,” she explained.
El-Omrani revealed that November 10 will be dedicated to youth within the framework of COP27 activities where youth will share their opinions and recommendations.
“The Conference of Youth (COY17) will also be a key step before COP27 with more focus on building the capacities of young people. In this two-day conference, all topics will be discussed. At the end, there will be a declaration issued by COY17 and will be presented during COP27 climate conference, slated in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh this November.”
The biggest challenge facing el-Omrani is to meet the aspirations of youth, especially that she is the first youth envoy in the history of COPs.
“I want this position to be a success for youth. I hope I can fulfill their expectations.”
