ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 (ADSW), Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) continues to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders by equipping youth worldwide with skills to shape a sustainable future.
Y4S is a Masdar global initiative, launched in 2016, that empowers the next generation of sustainability leaders through a blended learning experience that is actively investing in and supporting the development of young people worldwide, teaching them the skills needed for the sustainability jobs of the future.
Y4S organises workshops, awareness campaigns and training sessions, including the Sustainability Ambassadors and Future Sustainability Leaders programmes that saw the graduation of more than 740 young sustainability advocates with over 100 workshops and training sessions held, since the launch of Y4S.
Sustainability Ambassadors is a year-long programme designed for high school students to become Sustainability Ambassadors by offering them core knowledge and skills training, authentic work experience and quality networking at major events during the academic year to learn about the future outlook of the sustainability agenda and better understand how to positively contribute to the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals.
Future Sustainability Leaders is a year-long programme that connects university students and young professionals with global business leaders, policymakers and technology pioneers to help them learn the latest sustainability best practices. The programme takes place over a 12-month period to provide students with core knowledge, skills training, genuine work experience and networking skills.
Every year, Y4S hosts the Youth Hub at ADSW, bringing together more than 3,500 young people from around the world. It includes a three-day youth forum that actively engages young people in a series of discussions, climate talks, debates and dialogues to empower young people to act, innovate and lead positive impact.
The Y4S Forum seeks to empower and engage the next generation in leading global climate action. Aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative and National Youth Agenda 2031, the Y4S Forum at ADSW 2025 provides a platform for youth worldwide to connect with senior officials, experts and decision-makers, fostering dialogue and sharing ideas to drive innovation and build a sustainable future.