Nestlé UAE Unveils Inaugural Sustainability Heroes Award: Empowering Youth for a Greener Future
June 2, 2025 | By the LG Content Team
In a significant milestone for youth engagement and environmental awareness, the inaugural Sustainability Heroes Award has been announced through a collaboration between Nestlé and INJAZ UAE, under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. This groundbreaking initiative aims to equip university students across the United Arab Emirates with the necessary skills and mentorship to foster innovative sustainability solutions, ultimately contributing to the nation’s ambitious sustainability agenda.
More than 200 aspiring young leaders from various universities in the UAE participated in this program, which seeks to empower the next generation to confront environmental challenges. The winning team, known as Kleva, comprised students from the University of Sharjah. Their project, a sophisticated and dynamic project-based learning platform, is designed to provide students and young professionals with practical experience that prepares them for the labor market. By standing out in terms of originality, feasibility, and the potential to create tangible social impact, Kleva has exemplified the essence of this initiative.
HE Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Economy, articulated the initiative’s significance during the awards ceremony. He stated, “As the UAE undergoes a profound economic transformation, initiatives like Sustainability Heroes will play a pivotal role in empowering our youth to lead with purpose and to validate their contributions to the knowledge economy.” This affirmation of youth involvement echoes a broader strategic vision, positioning young people at the forefront of climate action and sustainable development efforts.
The increasingly pressing issue of climate change necessitates a fresh wave of innovative solutions, and it is the energy, enthusiasm, and creativity of the youth that are seen as vital resources in driving substantial transformations. Hajar Bakhit Alketbi, Director of the Government Communication Department at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, acknowledged the potential of young individuals, emphasizing their invaluable asset status in pursuing sustainability objectives: “Youth are central to climate action and sustainable development. Their skill sets can propel us toward achieving our sustainability goals.”
Sarah Shaw, the CEO of Majra, further elaborated on the program’s impact, stating, “Sustainability Heroes exemplifies how partnership and collaboration can successfully equip young people with the skills, mindset, and confidence needed to transform their ideas into actionable projects—not just for their own futures, but for the future of our planet.” This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of collaborative efforts necessary for achieving sustainability outcomes.
Moreover, the Sustainability Heroes initiative aligns seamlessly with Nestlé’s global commitment to youth empowerment as part of its Nestlé Needs Youth program. Hassan Atia, General Business Manager of Nestlé UAE, commented on this alignment, stating that the initiative “empowers young talent with the skills, opportunities, and platforms they need to thrive.” By investing in the future, both Nestlé and its partners are not only addressing pressing environmental concerns but also fostering a generation of socially responsible leaders.
As global attention increasingly pivots toward sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, initiatives such as the Sustainability Heroes Award emerge as vital conduits for change. They provide an essential feedback loop, wherein students not only learn but also implement their knowledge to effect real-world change. This dual benefit of education and application situates the program uniquely at the nexus of academic growth and practical experience, critical in today’s competitive job market.
The establishment of this award is not merely a ceremony of accolades but a clarion call for collective action in the realm of sustainability among the youth of the UAE. As young individuals champion their commitments to environmental initiatives, they pave the way for a more sustainable future while simultaneously fulfilling the UAE’s vision of innovation and knowledge-based economy.
In conclusion, the Sustainability Heroes Award strongly symbolizes a broader commitment to integrating youth into the sustainability dialogue, cultivating a generation equipped to navigate the complexities of a changing world. As UAE embarks on its sustainability journey, programs that empower and engage its youth will undoubtedly be crucial.
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