Sustainability Ambassadors Program
Program Overview
A year-long program designed for high school students based in the United Arab Emirates, offering them core knowledge and skills training, authentic work experience, and quality networking at major engagements.
This aims to help them gain a better understanding of how to positively contribute to the implementation of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Objectives
Aims to cultivate a sense of environmental consciousness and leadership skills and is designed for senior high school students based in the United Arab Emirates, aged between 15-18.
Combines virtual and in-person activations, raising awareness about sustainability issues.
Equip Sustainability Ambassadors members with the knowledge and tools to become advocates for sustainability, fostering a new generation of leaders committed to making a positive impact on the planet.
Aims to instill a sense of responsibility towards climate action, with a focus on the environmental and social components of sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria
Application Requirements: You simply need to be a national or resident of the UAE, be aged between 15-18, have excellent spoken English, and an interest in sustainability.
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: Sustainability Ambassador 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 Code 4 Climate and Out-of-Labs.
Testimonials
Ghaya Alahbabi
SA 2024
“My experience with the Y4S program is beyond amazing! I was able to meet and connect with many like-minded youths who inspired me and my fellow ambassadors, not to mention that we deeply understood the true meaning of sustainability and its interconnection with many aspects in our lives. Joining Y4S Sustainability Ambassador’s program showed me the actual value of teamwork, dedication, commitment, and diligence.”
Helen Maria Biju
SA 2024
“Being selected as a Sustainability Ambassador has been incredibly fulfilling and thought-provoking. From dedicated mentors guiding us through various aspects of sustainable thinking to finding new friends and networking with like-minded students, I've experienced profound personal growth. This program has accelerated my involvement in innovative sustainable developments, providing numerous opportunities to gain insights and engage with experts in the field.”
Khalid Mohammed Alblooshi
SA 2022
“Reflecting on my journey with the Y4S program as a member of the 2023 cohort, it's been nothing short of transformative. The program exposed me to remarkable events like COP28, meetings with the German embassy and the UAE, and visits to places like Masdar City, leaving a lasting impact on my commitment to sustainability. From a regular high schooler, I've evolved into a contributor/author and columnist, currently ranked in the top 70 on the author list of prominent European sustainability newsletters. Y4S not only provided unique opportunities but also developed my skills in pitching, cognitive abilities, and networking, playing a crucial role in my growth and achievements. I’m grateful for the incredible journey and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the discourse on sustainability!”
Hazza Alnofli
SA 2022
“The Y4S program helped me deepen my understanding of sustainability and empowered me to take meaningful action for a more sustainable future.”
FAQs
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