United Arab Emirates

Ruwayya Almehrzi worked as an Associate Consultant at Bain and Company in Dubai, UAE for two years. With a BEng (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from The University of Manchester, she has a solid background in sustainable development and process design. Ruwayya has contributed to strategic projects across various industries, focusing on community empowerment and sustainability. She was a key participant in the Future Sustainability Leaders Program by Masdar, winning a competition in waste management solutions. Ruwayya is committed to driving impactful change and inspiring sustainable practices within the community.

United Arab Emirates

Ahmed Al Ghardaqa is a distinguished Emirati diplomat and legal advisor, currently serving as the Senior Legal Advisor and Senior Negotiator for the COP28 UAE presidency and Minister of Foreign Affairs. With a robust background in international law, diplomacy, and environmental policy, Ahmed has played a pivotal role in shaping the UAE's environmental and diplomatic initiatives on a global scale.

Born in Dubai in 1995, Ahmed pursued higher education internationally, obtaining a Master's in International Law, Diplomacy, & Cyber Security. He also holds multiple degrees, including a Master of Arts in Humanitarian Action & Development from the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and an LL.M. in International Business Law from Université Paris II Panthéon-Assas.

Ahmed has been instrumental in negotiating critical agreements for environmental protection and sustainable development throughout his career. His work includes leading the historic deal on operationalising the Loss and Damage fund at COP28, which marked a significant breakthrough in international climate negotiations.

Ahmed’s commitment to environmental advocacy and international cooperation is also reflected in his leadership. His expertise and diplomatic skills have furthered the UAE's interests and contributed to global environmental governance.

Tunisia

I am a professional with over three years of experience specializing in climate finance, diplomacy, and digital technologies. Holding a Master's degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from the University of Liverpool, and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Tunis Business School, I have developed a robust foundation in business analytics and sustainable practices.  

Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in generating new methodologies and tools, particularly in integrating technology solutions for the climate industry. My work includes significant contributions as an innovation intern at the UNDP Regional Bureau for the Arab States and as the lead Climate Finance negotiator at COP26 through COP28, where I enhanced service lines and fostered the engagement of youth in international climate dialogues. My commitment to the development of others and the maintenance of effective working relationships is evident through my roles in leadership and mentorship, such as my involvement in the MEPI Student Leaders Program. Additionally, I have been delivering capacity-building sessions for over 100 Arab youth on climate diplomacy.

Additionally, I joined UNESCO's Youth Climate Action Network program, where I contributed to global climate action through education and intersectoral engagement. As a Finance Coordinator on the UNESCO YoU-CAN Steering Committee, I have spearheaded the scaling of youth-driven climate action through impactful grassroots projects, fostering cross-collaboration with youth-led networks. I have also contributed to the development of the Youth Future Labs Project with UNESCO, advocating for a better understanding of future thinking and foresight within the youth community.

Saudi Arabia

I am deeply passionate about decarbonizing the energy sector and driving sustainable solutions. My advanced degrees in Environmental Management as well as Sustainable and Renewable Energy have equipped me with the knowledge and skills to tackle climate challenges.

I have led initiatives to reduce GHG emissions, including a significant liquid fuel displacement program in Saudi Arabia aimed at maximizing gas utilization and minimizing liquid burning in the power sector. I am dedicated to implementing green energy strategies and contributing to policies and regulations that promote the transition towards a greener energy future.

Through my work and education, I am committed to making a positive impact and supporting the Arab Youth Center's mission for climate change. Together, we can drive the transition to a greener and more sustainable future in the region.

Palestine

Saed Hanani, a 24-year-old Palestinian, is a youth climate leader and advocate for sustainable entrepreneurship, has garnered 22 awards for his impactful work, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy.  

He is the founder and CEO of Furange, a startup that produces environmentally friendly fabrics made from orange peels. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Foras Khadra, the world's first platform to share sustainable green opportunities; and the co-founder and PR head of AYGVN, a network dedicated to empowering Arab youth in combating climate change and environmental challenges.

His work spans startups and initiatives across the Arab world, focusing on youth empowerment and sustainability.  

Saed's climate action expertise led to addressing the UN Secretary-General as a youth climate leader in COP28. He's also spoken at global forums like the IUCN Leaders Forum 2022, COP28, MANA RCOY2023, and MANA CW2023.

He has played a vital role in launching numerous startups, organizations, and innovative initiatives across the Arab world. Saed dedicates his efforts to empowering Arab youth through these entities and has organized many events promoting sustainability regionally and globally.

He is the former president of the IEEE branch at his university, an IEEE Ambassador for Entrepreneurship, and the recipient of the Best Ambassador Award in EMEA 2022. He is also an Ambassador for Orange Corners, a Dutch entrepreneurial initiative and the Director of Entrepreneurship at the EMEA Gathering 2022. Additionally, he is a co-founder and director of the IEEE PIONER and DOC THAC competitions.

Morocco

Raouiae Khouyi is a public policy and governance professional with a strong track record in program management, research, and capacity building. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Governance from Mohammed V University-Souissi and a Bachelor's degree in Public Law (French) from Abdelmalek Essaadi University-Tangier.Raouiae currently serves as a Program Associate at the National Democratic Institute (NDI) ,in addition, she leverages her expertise as a consultant in climate change and sustainability for various entities.  

Speaker of Arabic, French, and English, she brings a multicultural perspective and strong communication skills to her work, In addition to her professional expertise, Ms. Raouiae is deeply committed to facilitating workshops for Erasmus+ projects abroad.  

Previously, Raouiae held a position at NIMAR - The Kingdom of Netherlands Embassy in Morocco, where she successfully led the School of Democracy project, focused on youth and political participation.

Kuwait

Mariam AlSaad is a LEED-certified Civil and Structural Engineer with a Master of Science in Sustainable Cities. She does research on sustainability in the built environment, climate and social issues, and the relationship between urban design and people. She is the founder of AlManakh, a youth-led non-profit that aims to raise awareness regarding climate change impacts and sustainability in Kuwait. My goal and ambition is to contribute to the development of environmental education in Kuwait and to promote the concepts of sustainability in various fields and to help educate the new generation of young people about the environment and sustainability in Kuwait. I am interested in contributing as well in facilitating a space for transparent transfer of knowledge, education and collaboration between civil society, the general public, specialists, academics, private sector companies and state representatives involved in mitigating the effects of climate change policies

Jordan

Jude is a Senior Associate in Stewardship at the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), where she works on Climate Action 100+, the world’s largest investor-led engagement initiative on climate change. In her role, she works with stakeholders across public, private, and third sectors, and coordinates investor engagement on decarbonisation with some of the world’s top corporate emitters, focusing on the aviation and electric utilities sectors.  

Alongside her job, Jude is also part of the co-founding team building an early-stage start-up, Root, which empowers everyday retail investors to take part in engaging listed companies on climate issues, as well as broader SDG-aligned campaigns for a positive impact on people and planet. Previously, she has worked on carbon pricing and ESG analysis, as well as with multiple social impact start-ups, with a focus on climate change, as well as financial and social inclusion.  

Jude holds an MSc in Climate Change, Management and Finance from Imperial College London, where she focused her research on climate change impacts and opportunities in the MENA region, including the production of an individual report on the low carbon transition in oil-exporting Arab nations. She also holds a BA (Hons) in German and Business Management with a Year Abroad from King’s College London.

Jude speaks Arabic, English, German and Spanish, and credits her scuba diving hobby for nurturing her interest in sustainability. 

Jordan

Anas Zwahreh, a 31-year-old from Jordan, is a dedicated youth activist specializing in climate change and development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master's degree in Climate Change and Arid Lands Sustainability from Hashemite University. Anas works as a Project Coordinator for the Green Generation Foundation (GGF).

With over three years of experience in non-profit organizations, Anas is actively involved in several youth-focused climate and environmental initiatives:

• Team Leader for the Green Youth Network

• Member of the Youth Council of the Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM)

• Member of the Youth Council of the Environment and Climate Committee

• Environmental researcher in the Envo Climate Initiative

Anas has earned numerous certifications, including Environmental Management ISO 14001, Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) Fundamentals, and Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Mitigation Initiatives. He is currently studying Climate Advocacy at Cornell University.

He has extensive experience in preparing projects and initiatives, as well as designing work plans, timelines, and budgets. Additionally, he is skilled in scientific research on climate change, data analysis, and report writing. Therefore, I am eager to contribute all my expertise to support the progress of your council.

Egypt

Amr is an  climate justice advocate, social entrepreneur, and an educational Youtuber from the Working Class. He received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Alexandria University, Egypt in 2018 as the first in his family to go to college. He also studied education for sustainable development at Bard College, New York along with a study visit at the UN New York headquarter sponsored by the US department. Furthermore, he attended other 13 short study visits and training courses about SDGs as a youth leader in different countries Including Italy, Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, Jordan, UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, and Morocco.

Last March, TED invited Amr to one of its official to give a talk with the title (Can Carbon Tax Achieve Climate Justice?). Last November, the International Monetary Fund selected Amr to serve in its 2022 youth fellowship among 30 young leaders selected out of 4200 applicants.  Besides, the COP27 presidency appointed him to join the COP27 youth task force to work directly with the COP27 president's youth envoy. British Council featured him as a global voice for climate on their website.  

Currently, Amr is serving as the founder and CEO of an Edtech social enterprise called Empower Hub.  He is responsible for managing small and medium Sustainable Development grants funded by national and international entities, as well as designing and facilitating training programs.  He is also the founder of the Facebook community “Empower 2030 Leaders Hub” with +28K active members. Amr is well known as a video content creator who has +170K subscribers on YouTube with +200 videos about Quality education and SDGs along with tens of thousands of followers on other platforms advocating unapologetically for justice for all.  

Yemen

Talal Ahmed holds a Master of Public Policy with a minor focus on Sustainable Development from Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, Qatar, as well as a Bachelor's in Engineering from UTeM University, Malaysia. He currently works as a STEM Engineer, where he innovates educational approaches to address real-world problems. His leading project, STEAMathon Qatar, integrates innovation with climate and environmental challenges, reaching thousands of students and teachers through hands-on projects.

Alongside his full-time role, Talal leads the Arab Youth Advisory Group for Disaster Risk Reduction, a stakeholder group for UNDRR ROAS. Previously, he was the Regional Focal Point for DRR for MENA within the Major Group for Children and Youth (formerly UNMGCY).

Talal is also the founder of the Youth Advocates for Sustainable Development (YASD) Network, which empowers young leaders in sustainability through training, webinars, and community projects. His initiatives, such as the ""Aden Safe and Clean"" campaign and the ""Towards a Safer and More Resilient Rainy Season"" webinar, have mobilized local communities in Yemen for climate action and disaster preparedness.

He was selected among 40 youth globally by the Global Cultural Relations Platform – EU project for his work in integrating climate action with creative solutions. His international experiences, including being Qatar Youth Country Coordinator for COY 16 and a speaker at the ECOSOC Youth Forum, have enriched his advocacy skills and expanded his youth network worldwide.

Talal is committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation through education, innovative projects, and proactive engagement in climate action.