The 16th edition of the EMPOWER Youth Empowerment Conference, hosted by the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, concluded today in Doha after two days of intensive dialogue and workshops. Under the theme “Promoting Climate Action through Green Entrepreneurship,” the event culminated in the drafting of the EMPOWER 2025 Youth Declaration, a collective statement calling for greater investment in youth-led climate solutions.
A Hub for Green Entrepreneurship
The conference brought together more than 300 young leaders with a distinguished group of local and international experts to explore how youth-led green ventures can combat climate change, drive sustainable development, and create innovative jobs. Organized by EAA’s “Reach Out To Asia” (ROTA) program, the event served as a critical platform for connecting young innovators with the knowledge, resources, and networks needed to turn their climate ideas into effective action.
Key Discussions and Insights
The agenda featured a series of inspiring panel discussions and interactive workshops. A highlight session, “Youth-Led Climate Innovation: From Community Action to Green Projects,” featured prominent local innovators and business leaders including:
- Hessa Al-Noaimi, Co-founder of the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar.
- Abdullah Al-Suwaidi, Chairman of the Elite Paper Recycling Factory.
- Hessa Al-Thani, an entrepreneur and climate tech innovator.
- Rahaf Abu Mayaleh, founder of the “InnovateGreen” initiative.
Other sessions featured experts from major global and local organizations such as the UNDP, UNICEF, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), and the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council, who discussed everything from global green economy policies to the role of women in the green transition.
From Ideas to Action
Beyond discussions, the conference focused on practical application. Specialized workshops provided participants with tools and knowledge in areas like green entrepreneurship and youth innovation in clean tech.
The event’s most significant outcome was the EMPOWER 2025 Youth Declaration. This collective statement, drafted by the youth participants, formally calls on governments, the private sector, and communities to invest in, support, and scale the climate solutions being developed by the next generation of leaders. As Abdulla Al-Abdulla, Executive Director of ROTA, stated, “EMPOWER 2025 proved that when youth are given the knowledge, resources, and the right platform, they are capable of turning challenges into opportunities.”
About The Organizers
The conference is an initiative of the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, a global foundation in development and education, and is implemented through its “Reach Out To Asia” (ROTA) program, which focuses on empowering youth to lead sustainable development and drive positive social change.
Learn More: Qatar News Agency
