Arwa Musa’ed (left) and Retaj Mortada
Doha, Qatar: As the world marks the International Day of Education on January 24, 2026, the role of young people in shaping a more sustainable and resilient future is taking centre stage across the Middle East and North Africa.
Observed globally under the theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education,” the United Nations-designated day, led by Unesco, highlights how education is not only a pathway to knowledge, but a driver of peace, sustainable development and social progress.
Against this backdrop, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation is advancing its youth-focused initiative, Green Visions and Thriving Futures: Empowering Youth for Sustainable Impact, implemented in partnership with Unicef’s Generation Unlimited programme. The project supports young people in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon to respond to climate change while strengthening access to employment, entrepreneurship and opportunities within the green economy.
The initiative aims to reach more than half a million young people through a comprehensive pathway that begins with volunteering and climate education, advances to youth-led community environmental action, and culminates in skills development and links to employment and freelance opportunities.
In Jordan, EAA Foundation has established several youth stories that reflect the initiative’s impact on the ground.
Executive Director of the Reach Out To All Programme at the EAA Foundation, Arwa Musa’ed in a statement to The Peninsula said, “These stories reflect the power of investing in young people in Jordan, Egypt, and Lebanon, not merely as beneficiaries, but as leaders of change. Through the Education Above All Foundation, in partnership with Unicef’s Generation Unlimited initiative, and through the ‘Green Visions and Thriving Futures’ project, we are empowering youth to translate environmental awareness into tangible action that strengthens community resilience and contributes to building sustainable pathways for economic empowerment.”
“When young people are equipped with the right skills, opportunities, and support, they become active partners in addressing climate challenges and shaping a more sustainable future,” she added.
In Tafileh Governorate, Malek Sawalqah has emerged as a prominent environmental leader. Founder of the Kawn initiative for environmental, climate and tourism action, Malek has led wide-ranging activities over the past 18 months, including the planting of around 3,000 trees, the establishment of more than 10 eco-tourism trails, and environmental awareness sessions reaching nearly 800 participants.
Supported through specialised training and mentorship, Malek transformed individual motivation into structured, community-based action. Despite challenges linked to limited resources and social attitudes, he views these obstacles as catalysts for stronger leadership and innovation.
In Karak Governorate, Retaj Mortada Al Soub’s journey began with a simple interest in home gardening at the Al-Ghuwayr Youth and Girls Centre. Through the Maharati programme and the Climate Change Ambassadors initiative, she advanced into hydroponic farming, leading the cultivation of vegetables and flowers while participating in governorate-wide environmental clean-up campaigns.
Her experience helped position her as a recognised community advocate, confident in addressing climate issues and adaptation strategies, with ambitions to represent Jordan in national and international environmental forums.
Also in Karak, Yaman Al Dmour contributed to hydroponic farming, recycling initiatives and clean-up campaigns, integrating environmental and economic sustainability by selling seedlings to reinvest in project resources. He credits the programme with strengthening his commitment to volunteerism and sustainable agriculture.
Together, these stories demonstrate how education-driven, youth-led action can translate awareness into measurable environmental and social impact.
