In line with ICESCO's commitment to empowering Arab youth and advancing climate action across the Islamic world, the ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah supported the Arab Youth Climate Leaders Camp – First Edition, held from 21 to 23 October 2024 in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The initiative was delivered in partnership with a broad coalition of institutions, including the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Sharjah Art Foundation, Manbat wa Shajar, Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), Al Qasimia University, and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University. The camp aims to empower Arab youth aged between 18 and 30 who are passionate about environmental sustainability, and to deepen their capacity to take effective climate action, with a focus on the scientific understanding of climate change, leadership development, and project management.
The camp served as an interactive platform encouraging young participants to design and implement innovative climate action projects, while strengthening collaboration among them through a network that supports the exchange of ideas and expertise. The initiative brought together approximately 50 young men and women from ICESCO Member States across the Arab region, offering them an immersive experience combining scientific knowledge, leadership training, and hands-on project development in the field of climate action.
The initiative achieved tangible results, contributing to the development of a youth community that is more aware of climate issues and sustainable practices, and forming a network of empowered young leaders capable of driving positive impact both locally and internationally. Participants implemented environmental projects with real-world, measurable outcomes, and were given the opportunity to showcase their work at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, providing a global platform for youth-led climate solutions.
The camp's activities included intensive workshops led by experts in climate science and sustainable practices, field visits to successful environmental initiatives, and dedicated training sessions in leadership and project management. Participants were carefully selected to represent their countries in this pioneering initiative, and the standout projects presented were selected for showcase on the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties. The event also served as a valuable platform connecting youth, experts, and decision-makers, fostering dialogue and the exchange of expertise on climate action.
This initiative falls within the strategic vision of the Emirate of Sharjah as a regional hub for youth empowerment and sustainability, and as an enabling environment for pioneering environmental and educational initiatives. The ICESCO Regional Office in Sharjah continues its efforts to support youth-led climate action, build leadership and project management capacities among young people, and strengthen international cooperation in the field of environmental sustainability, contributing to the development of a new generation of empowered Arab youth capable of driving impactful climate solutions in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
