Youth Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Celebrated on International Youth Day 2025, Highlighting Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed's Involvement

Youth Action for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Celebrated on International Youth Day 2025, Highlighting Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed's Involvement

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), young people are transforming global challenges into local opportunities, a movement that is gaining momentum across cities. This shift has not gone unnoticed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who expressed his support for the courage, creativity, and determination of the country's youth.

Young people in the UAE are moving through the world with curiosity and a potential for impact. Their influence can be seen in quiet and powerful ways, such as challenging habits, reimagining processes, and offering unconsidered ideas. Examples of their impact include student-led climate solutions, neighborhood coding programs, and grassroots art initiatives.

The UAE's youth are actively engaged in programs like MUSTADEEM, which equips young Emiratis with practical skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, aiming at climate resilience and food security. They are also participating in initiatives such as Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) program, which offers educational opportunities and hands-on experiences related to sustainability in sectors like retail, mobility, and real estate.

Beyond structured programs, UAE youth contribute to sustainability through innovation hubs like Middlesex University Dubai, which fosters student engagement in sustainability education, civic responsibility, and social impact projects aligned with the SDGs. They also participate in platforms such as the Siemens Energy UAE Youth Council, which involves them in strategic discussions and climate tech innovation alongside academia, industry, and government partners.

This empowerment of youth is not unique to the UAE. Globally, youth actions for the SDGs revolve around education, innovation, and leadership in sustainability. The Jusoor International program is an example that empowers youth through cross-border leadership exposure and industry collaboration. Many youth-led initiatives focus on tackling poverty, inequality, climate change, and promoting education and health, reflecting the broad goals of the SDGs.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's statement on International Youth Day, which has the theme 'Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond', highlights the importance of supporting and empowering young people. He emphasized the importance of listening to, investing in, and walking alongside the youth of the UAE. He believes that when youth lead, the world moves forward.

The UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is one of the locations where the impact of young people is being recognized by leaders. Hope is being woven into policy and progress is being integrated into daily life by young people. They are redefining progress by making it more inclusive, inventive, and responsive to challenges.

In a world where sustainable development is crucial, the UAE's young leaders are setting an example for others to follow. Their actions demonstrate that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers driving sustainable development today.

1. The UAE's youth are actively shaping the future through various programs and initiatives like MUSTADEEM, Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability, Middlesex University Dubai, and the Siemens Energy UAE Youth Council, focusing on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, innovation, and social impact projects.
2. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum supports the creativity, determination, and influence of the UAE's youth, advocating for their empowerment, investment, and collaboration in strategic discussions and leadership opportunities related to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
3. Inspired by the UAE's example, global youth actions for the SDGs revolve around education, innovation, and leadership in sustainability, with initiatives like Jusoor International program empowering youth through cross-border collaboration and industry partnerships.
4. In the realm of lifestyle, education, and self-development, the UAE's youth are redefining personal growth and setting an example for the world to follow, demonstrating that young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow but the changemakers driving sustainable development today.

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