A decade of cultivating tomorrow’s sustainability leaders

Youth 4 Sustainability marks ten years of nurturing the next generation of changemakers, opening applications for 2027 programmes that connect young people with industry pioneers and global decision makers.

A decade has passed since Youth 4 Sustainability emerged from Abu Dhabi as a global platform dedicated to fostering the leaders of tomorrow. Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the initiative from Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) continues to shape the trajectory of young people committed to advancing sustainable development across the world.

The milestone arrives as the platform extends invitations for its 2027 cohort, welcoming applications from university students, young professionals and senior high-school students eager to develop their craft in sustainability and renewable energy. Two pathways define the offering: the Future Sustainability Leaders programme, which engages participants aged 19 to 35, and the Sustainability Ambassadors scheme, tailored for secondary students aged 15 to 18 from the UAE.

The architecture of these year-long programmes rests upon direct engagement. Young participants work alongside industry luminaries, policymakers and technology innovators, gaining practical insight that transforms theoretical knowledge into lived experience. Mentorship flows from specialists in clean energy, technology and sustainability fields, while innovation challenges and participation in forums such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week provide the connective tissue between learning and action.

Since its inception, Youth 4 Sustainability has engaged more than 50,000 young people across thirty-plus countries through targeted workshops, activations and global events. The 2025 application cycle demonstrated unprecedented momentum, attracting more than 1,500 submissions across both programmes.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Chief Brand and Strategic Initiatives Officer at Masdar, observed that Y4S has remained steadfast in its mission to empower young people through skills development and connection building. The platform creates pathways for participants to enhance their role in constructing a more sustainable future for their communities and the world.

Participants speak of transformation. Reem Al Mansoori, a member of the Future Sustainability Leaders 2024 cohort, described how the platform equipped her with skills, knowledge and networks to approach climate challenges from a holistic and solutions-driven perspective. Kareem Ibrahim, who graduated from the Sustainability Ambassadors programme, highlighted the value of engaging with peers, participating in hands-on projects and gaining real-world insights from practitioners.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global centre for sustainability leadership finds expression through platforms like Youth 4 Sustainability. The initiative reflects the emirate’s commitment to nurturing intellectual and professional capacity in sectors essential to its future, positioning Abu Dhabi as a thought leader in the global transition toward clean energy and environmental stewardship.

For young people across Abu Dhabi and beyond, the platform represents a gateway into meaningful work that shapes their professional futures while contributing to solutions that matter at scale. By connecting emerging talent with established leaders and innovation ecosystems, the initiative strengthens Abu Dhabi’s soft power and reinforces its role as a destination for ambitious minds seeking to drive sustainable transformation.

Applications for Youth 4 Sustainability’s 2027 programmes close on 30th November 2026 via y4s.ae. The platform is supported by Abu Dhabi Department of Energy as Principal Partner.