Youth Activist Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Celebrates Achievements of Young People in Pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals on International Youth Day 2025
On International Youth Day, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasised the importance of investing in and listening to young people. He believes that when youth lead, the world moves forward.
The theme for this year's International Youth Day is 'Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond'. Sheikh Mohammed's statement reflects his belief in the potential of young people in the UAE, as they are weaving hope into policy and integrating progress into daily life.
In the UAE, several initiatives are empowering young people to contribute to sustainable development. One such initiative is the MUSTADEEM Program, which equips young Emiratis with practical skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, fostering future scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Another example is the Al-Futtaim and Masdar Youth 4 Sustainability Partnership, which provides educational opportunities and practical experiences for young people, focusing on real-world sustainability practices across retail, mobility, and real estate sectors.
The Siemens Energy UAE Youth Council is another platform that empowers Emirati youth to contribute to strategic discussions, lead community initiatives, and shape company culture. This platform is involved in partnerships with ADIO and Khalifa University for developing ClimateTech solutions.
Beyond the UAE, the State of Arab Youth Report on SDGs highlights creative youth initiatives across the Arab region that positively impact society and raise awareness about the SDGs. The Jusoor International Program, while mentioned in the context of UAE, exposes youth to global industry environments, strengthening their ability to lead across borders.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum acknowledges the courage, creativity, and determination of young people. He believes that they move through the world with curiosity and a potential for achievement, redefining progress, making it more inclusive, inventive, and responsive to challenges.
Innovation grounded in empathy can transform entire systems from the ground up. Across cities, young people are transforming global challenges into local opportunities. From student-led climate solutions to grassroots art initiatives, the impact of young people can be subtle but powerful, challenging habits, reimagining processes, and offering new ideas.
In conclusion, the transformations by young people are not limited to the UAE. They are contributing significantly to achieving various SDGs, such as climate action, quality education, and sustainable development, both in the UAE and beyond.
- In the spirit of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's belief in the future potential of youth, collaboration between young people and educational and self-development programs like the MUSTADEEM Program, Al-Futtaim and Masdar Youth 4 Sustainability Partnership, and the Siemens Energy UAE Youth Council, will undoubtedly foster personal growth and innovation in various sectors, accelerating progress towards sustainable development goals.
- Recognizing the transformative power of young people, the State of Arab Youth Report on SDGs showcases myriad creative initiatives in the Arab region, signifying that the impact of their actions extends far beyond the UAE, contributing significantly to the global endeavor of addressing societal challenges and raising awareness about sustainable development.
- With a focus on empowering young people and integrating them into the decision-making process, platforms like the Jusoor International Program and the Siemens Energy UAE Youth Council are instrumental in preparing the youth to lead and create change across borders, ensuring their role in shaping the future of personal growth, education, and sustainable development.
