Future Sustainability Leaders Program

Program Overview

Future Sustainability Leaders (FSL) is a year-long program 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 program provides core knowledge, skills training, work experience and networking skills through events that take place over a 12-month period. Each cycle begins at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the region’s largest sustainability gathering, held each January in Abu Dhabi in the UAE.

Through this unique program, students learn about the future outlook of the sustainability agenda, and better understand how to positively contribute to the implementation of global sustainable development goals.

Objectives

Equip participants with the vital soft skills and technical knowledge required for leadership in sustainability and climate action.

Integrate a mix of virtual and in-person activities, curated programs, and community-led initiatives, to boost social skills and fosters a sense of responsibility.

Encourage meaningful impact and the practical application of sustainability concepts across professional and personal journeys.

Eligibility Criteria

Application Requirements: FSL is open to university students and young professionals aged 19-35.

Application Timeline: Registration opens every year in September and remains open until November 30, with the selection of candidates announced in January. For example, if you apply in September 2024, you will be notified about your application in January 2025.

Application Process: Future Sustainability leaders applicants are required to submit a video and a personal statement explaining why they want to be part of the program as well as a few personal questions.

Program Structure

The program consists of an integrated series of online activities, events and forums to help you get the most out of the program, including but not limited to:

Skill Up

An online self-paced and gamified learning platform, integrated into the learning process of Y4S across six core units providing 72+ hours of learning content: Knowledge, Personal, People, Cognitive, Innovate, and Climate Literacy.

Series and Talks

An exciting program of talks, hands-on experiences, skills and industry focused-workshops, delivered in partnerships with Y4S partners and stakeholders.

Forums and Engagements

With the aim to bring together young people with leaders and experts from different backgrounds through local, regional, and international sustainability focused engagements.

Innovation Programs

Carefully curated for Y4S participants and designed to accelerate innovative solutions across the fields of sustainability and climate action such as Innovate 4 Climate and Out-of-Labs.

Testimonials

Mohammed Bawazir

FSL 2023

“Joining the Youth 4 Sustainability platform was a fantastic experience. It offered me practical insights and allowed me to meet and collaborate with others who are equally enthusiastic about driving positive change.”

Zein Altawil

FSL 2023

“The Y4S program was instrumental in shaping my journey to launching my sustainable startup Yello. It provided invaluable insights into sustainability and connected me with like-minded individuals, helping me grow both personally and professionally.”

Abdullah Alsuwaidi

FSL 2024

“Y4S has broadened my knowledge and significantly impacted my role as a UN youth delegate. The program gave me the confidence to represent youth in global forums, advocate for meaningful change, and shape the future we envision. The support I received empowered me to lead with confidence and champion the causes I believe in, making this experience pivotal in my journey as a sustainability leader.”

Amna Al Hammadi

FSL 2024

“I have been deeply inspired by the initiative's commitment to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders. Through a blended learning experience with global business leaders, policymakers, and technology pioneers, we are equipped with the latest sustainability best practices. The program's comprehensive approach, combining core knowledge, skills training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, has been invaluable.”

FAQs

The program begins at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), the region’s largest sustainability gathering, which is held each January in Abu Dhabi. The program spans a 12-month period, which you will need to commit your time to.

You don't need to be based in the UAE to participate and we have had many international participants from China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Morocco, Colombia, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Paraguay, and Lesotho, among others.

The Future Sustainability Leaders program is open to university students and young professionals aged 19-35. You will need to be either a UAE national or international student, hold an undergraduate degree, or be pursuing one, at an accredited institution (open to all majors) and have excellent spoken English.

You will need to complete all the Skill Up series online learning units, attend all virtual series and engagements throughout the year (such as Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week). You will also need to participate in the Y4S Innovate 4 Climate challenge.

Additionally, you should be willing to promote the Future Sustainability Leaders program through your social network (when applicable). You will need to be able to coordinate and manage tasks, work under pressure. Last but not least, demonstrate a positive attitude and be a 'people person'!

The Future Sustainability Leaders program is free of charge. You will never be asked to pay anything related to Y4S or to participate in the program.