In an era marked by the escalating impacts of climate change, the voices of young activists are resonating louder than ever. Their fervent dedication to environmental advocacy is driving a global movement for change. As they continue to champion the cause of sustainability, their efforts are igniting hope and catalyzing action across communities worldwide.
UNESCO stands at the forefront of empowering young men and women, embodying the belief that the foundation of a more equitable and sustainable society rests on the active participation of its younger members. By fostering environments that enrich knowledge and enhance skills, UNESCO empowers individuals to transform their perspectives and approaches towards building a sustainable future. This commitment involves promoting educational initiatives, cultivating leadership qualities among young people, and advocating for gender equality.
Aisha Al Maadeed, a young Qatari advocate, has committed herself to fostering positive change by promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. Since childhood, Aisha has been passionate about preserving the environment and sought to take an active role in supporting sustainability initiatives. Recognizing the need for greater environmental consciousness in Qatar, she was inspired by her experiences studying abroad, where she observed extensive campaigns aimed at preserving the environment and educating the community. In 2018, Aisha founded 'Greener Future,' a youth initiative dedicated to educating the public about environmental issues and fostering sustainable behavior.
The initiative, Greener Future, was inspired by Aisha's participation in an environmental sustainability project aimed at combating plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is notably widespread in Qatar due to the surge in coffee shop culture, which increased the use of plastic cups. Initially, Greener Future focused on plastic pollution but has broadened its objectives to tackle various environmental challenges in Qatar. Greener Future provides individuals with the essential knowledge needed to promote environmental stewardship by advocating for behavioral changes and adopting green skills.
''The transition towards environmental sustainability is not just crucial for addressing the global climate crisis but also imperative for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is essential to empower young people to have a voice in global and local efforts to combat climate change and become active citizens in their communities. We must encourage our youth to speak out, recognizing that the changes we witness today demand immediate action for a sustainable tomorrow.’’
One of UNESCO's primary goals is empowering youth through education for sustainable development. By strengthening young people's skills, capacities, and environmental awareness, UNESCO seeks to actively and effectively involve them in decision-making processes.
Aisha is committed to improving her knowledge and skills, actively participating in conferences and panels, such as those organized by UNESCO, to promote environmental awareness. She focuses primarily on engaging students and children in these efforts. "When I witness the children's engagement and enthusiasm for environmental care, it fills me with joy and hope," she reflects. "Seeing the younger generation's commitment to surpassing our environmental efforts reassures me that Greener Future is making a meaningful impact. It makes me proud to know that our initiative plays a significant role in preparing them to be the stewards of a more sustainable planet."
UNESCO provides a diverse range of programs to inspire a young generation of thinkers and doers equipped to navigate and address the difficulties of today's world.
UNESCO Green Citizens is a project that connects local citizen-driven solutions with UNESCO's scientific expertise and the enthusiasm of young people to combat climate change. This initiative represents a collaborative effort to harness the power of community engagement and scientific knowledge in addressing environmental challenges.
The UNESCO Youth Programme focuses on social innovation and change. It encourages young people to participate actively in societal development, aims to eradicate poverty and inequality, and promotes cultivating a culture of peace.
