Masdar’s Y4S looks for future sustainability leaders

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), one of Masdar’s strategic initiatives, is now accepting applications for both of its year-long youth programs, Sustainability Ambassadors and Future Sustainability Leaders.

The structured programs combine training with real-world experience empowering students and young professionals to carry forward the sustainability agenda, and ensuring the dedicated education, empowerment and engagement of youth.

Launched as a global platform earlier this year, Y4S aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability locally and internationally – including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), as well as cultivate talent through tailored workshops and interactive experiences. 

Targeting young people aged 15 to 35, Y4S is playing a crucial role in preparing the next generation of sustainability leaders, equipping them with the skills and resources to accelerate sustainable development. 

“Y4S is dedicated to empower young people in the UAE to play an active role in driving a sustainable future. Since the launch of both youth programs, we have engaged more than 12,000 young people, and now with our global platform, the aim is to increase this reach even more, engaging 50,000 young people around the world by 2030,” said Zainab Al Ali, Senior Manager, Outreach and Stakeholder Relations, Masdar.

She continues: “We believe that through quality education and the right access to tools and skills, our young people can effectively become the next generation of sustainability leaders, who can bring about the positive change the world needs to flourish. Now more than ever, we need informed, empowered and committed youth to ensure a sustainable recovery from COVID-19. If you want to be a part leading the sustainability agenda, I encourage you to apply to one of our programs.”

Welcoming applications from high schools students, the Sustainability Ambassadors program allows participants to take part in core knowledge & skills training, authentic work experience, and quality networking at major events throughout the academic year. Interested students can apply here. Only 50 students will be accepted into the program this year and the deadline to submit an application is July 15, 2020.

The Future Sustainability Leaders program connects university students and young professionals with global business leaders, policymakers, and technology pioneers, to help them learn the latest sustainability best practices. The program provides core knowledge, skills training, genuine work experience and networking skills through events that take place over a 12-month period. Applicants can be nominated by their university or directly apply here, no later than July 16, 2020. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact y4s@masdar.ae or visit the Y4S website.