USW academic joins climate leaders in COP28 conference in Dubai

An academic from the University of South Wales (USW) is one of 10 UK researchers to have been awarded a scholarship to attend COP28 UAE, the global climate change conference in Dubai.

Dr Zulfia Abawe, lecturer in Global Business at USW, is the only academic from a Welsh university to participate in COP28, as part of the UK Universities Climate Network (UUCN) COP Network Scholarships programme for early career researchers.

The travel scholarships aim to support the next generation of climate leaders by giving researchers the opportunity to contribute to research activity during the conference, and helping to form a delegation of academics to meet COP28 leaders and representatives from all over the world.

Zulfia, who teaches on the MBA Global degree at USW, will be part of the Green Zone at COP28. Open to the public, Green Zone visitors can explore breakthrough climate innovations, cutting-edge tech, interactive exhibits, inspiring art installations, film screenings, and talks across Expo City Dubai.

Zulfia will also join the Blue Zone for the last three days of the conference, where she will have the opportunity to observe final negotiations between countries as well as the World Climate Action Summit.

She said: “COP28 is a transformative platform for global engagement in addressing climate change. I’m confident that attending COP28 will enrich my research, shape climate policies, and enhance my teaching impact in promoting climate action, with a primary focus on addressing disparities in how climate change affects vulnerable populations, particularly women in developing countries.

“I’m committed to educating and inspiring the next generation to become catalysts for change in the global fight against climate change. I feel very fortunate to be awarded the UUCN COP Network Scholarship and look forward to the opportunity to work closely with like-minded academics at COP28 and beyond.”