Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), Masdar’s global initiative to empower the next generation of sustainability leaders, has officially opened registration for its 2026 programs. Young people are invited to apply for one of the initiative’s year-long programs, which aim to equip youth with the skills, mentorship, and networks needed to lead the clean energy transformation.

Y4S empowers youth to become sustainability leaders through two core programs: Future Sustainability Leaders, which is a global program for university students and young professionals aged 19-35; and Sustainability Ambassadors, which is open to UAE-based senior high school students, from 15-18. Through immersive forums, global engagements, mentorship, and innovation challenges Y4S equips participants with the skills, networks, and experiences needed to drive real-world impact in sustainability and the green economy.

Registration is open until November 30 for the 2026 programs. Since its inception in 2016, Y4S has engaged thousands of young people globally, with the initiative receiving nearly 1,000 applications for just 120 places last year, reflecting the growing demand for programs that prepare youth to drive sustainability solutions.

Dr Lamya Fawwaz, Executive Director of Brand & Strategic Initiatives at Masdar, said:

"Youth 4 Sustainability plays a vital role in advancing the UAE’s vision for youth empowerment and climate leadership. As the world accelerates its clean energy transformation, it is more critical than ever to provide young people with the skills, knowledge, and platforms they need to deliver real solutions for a sustainable future. Through Y4S, we are cultivating a global community of young innovators and helping them to turn their passion for sustainability into making a tangible impact. I look forward to welcoming our 2026 cohort into the Y4S community."

Participants will gain hands-on experience through engagements with leading UAE companies, government stakeholders, policy groups, and think tanks. Guided by Y4S mentors, including clean energy pioneers, tech innovators, and sustainability entrepreneurs, program members will gain industry insight and build lasting connections. The program’s emphasis on peer-to-peer learning ensures that every participant is part of a community committed to driving change.

This year’s registration theme, “Write the Next Chapter,”, invites youth to envision themselves as the next generation of sustainability changemakers. Y4S remains committed to inclusive leadership and youth-led climate action, with a strong focus on gender diversity and representation.

Applications for the 2026 Y4S cohort are open until November 30, 2025, at www.y4s.ae. With limited places available, early registration is encouraged.