Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Annual Forum will be held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week from 13-15 January 2026 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The event, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy as a principal partner, aims to inspire, empower, and prepare young individuals to lead with purpose and innovation, centering them in the dialogue on sustainable growth.
According to Emirates News Agency, the three-day forum will feature a comprehensive programme designed to engage participants through high-level keynote sessions, TEDx-style talks, one-to-one conversations with thought leaders, panel discussions, creative performances, and interactive debates. The event will also showcase youth-led projects and innovations, offering targeted engagements that connect employers with emerging sustainability talent.
Dr. Abdulla Humaid Saif Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, emphasized the importance of empowering youth as a fundamental aspect of sustaining progress and driving innovation in the energy and water sectors. He stated that young people play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of systems through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence. The forum aims to bring together young leaders, innovators, decision-makers, and industry partners to foster creative thinking and provide practical opportunities that contribute to policy development and technological advancement.
Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, highlighted that the Y4S Annual Forum connects young leaders with experts and insights, empowering them to translate ideas into action. The forum addresses four interconnected themes: future skills, education and youth employment; AI and sustainability innovation; well-being and community resilience; and ethical leadership and governance. These themes are designed to equip young individuals with the skills and mindset needed for meaningful careers and purpose-led ventures.
The forum will gather ministers, senior officials, executives from leading global and local companies, and sustainability experts. Notable keynote speakers include Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Dr. Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan; and Sheikh Dr. Majid Al Qassimi, Founding Partner and CEO of SOMA MATER.
Launched by Masdar in 2016, the Youth 4 Sustainability initiative is dedicated to empowering the next generation of sustainability leaders. It focuses on equipping young people with the necessary knowledge, skills, and capabilities to lead the global adoption of sustainability principles. The initiative has provided educational experiences such as workshops, awareness initiatives, and specialized training programmes, graduating over 980 young men and women and conducting more than 145 workshops and training sessions with 390 experts and industry leaders worldwide.