Arab Youth Speak on Sustainability at 14th IGCF Forum

At the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF), a remarkable and groundbreaking session was held, focusing on the opinions and ideas of the young leaders of the Arab world. This session provided a unique platform for children and youth to express their perspectives on sustainability and the future. It was a historic moment where young voices were placed at the center of important policy discussions.

A Joint Parliamentary Simulation for Youth

The session, titled “The Voice of Children and Young People. Sustainability: A Duty for Future Generations”, brought together 30 young members from three important youth councils: the Arab Parliament for the Child, the Emirati Children’s Parliament, and the Sharjah Youth Council (Shura).

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This parliamentary simulation was not just a symbolic exercise; it served as a real forum where young people could discuss policies that will directly affect their future. It was a chance for them to present ideas, voice concerns, and suggest practical solutions for sustainability challenges.

Leadership and Moderation

The discussion was moderated by Elias bin Awad bin Awad Al-Ma’ani, President of the Arab Parliament for the Child. The session featured distinguished young leaders, including:

• Aisha Hamid Al Khayyal, First Deputy Speaker of the Emirati Children’s Parliament

• Musbah Mohammed Musbah Al-Ketbi, Member of the Sharjah Youth Shura Council

• Ayman Othman Al-Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child

• Ghizlane Benjelloun, Vice President of the National Observatory for Child Rights in Morocco

The participation of these young leaders demonstrated the importance of including children and youth in discussions that shape public policies and future societal development.

Opening Remarks and Vision

Elias bin Awad opened the session with inspiring remarks, highlighting the vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. He praised the ruler’s dedication to empowering Arab children and involving them in addressing key challenges facing society.

Elias emphasized that sustainability is a shared responsibility. He urged young participants to take their discussions beyond words and ideas, into practical, innovative initiatives that could have measurable outcomes.

Key Discussions and Recommendations

The session covered a wide range of topics related to sustainability, and the young participants made several key recommendations:

1. Mindful Consumption:
   Children highlighted the need to adopt a culture of mindful consumption in daily life. They stressed that small actions, like reducing waste, conserving energy, and reusing resources, could collectively create a significant positive impact on the environment.

2. Continuous Dialogue:
   Young leaders suggested establishing a permanent platform for dialogue between government bodies and youth parliaments. They believed that regular conversations would ensure that children and youth are actively involved in shaping policies.

3. Interactive Learning Opportunities:
   The participants emphasized the importance of providing continuous learning opportunities. They proposed interactive workshops, hands-on programs, and educational activities that teach children about sustainability in practical ways.

4. Youth-Led Sustainability Projects:
   Children encouraged the support of youth-led projects, such as recycling programs, community clean-ups, and other initiatives that promote environmental responsibility. They believed that these projects not only raise awareness but also give youth the confidence to lead meaningful change.

5. Technological Innovation:
   The young parliamentarians recommended using modern technology to share ideas, collaborate on projects, and turn discussions into real-world solutions. They stressed that technology could bridge gaps between governments, communities, and youth organizations.

Focus on Natural Resources and Green Innovation

The youth delegates underlined that sustainability is essential for a brighter future. They called for smarter management of natural resources, greater investment in children as future leaders, and support for innovative solutions. Some of their recommendations included:

• Funding renewable energy research

• Strengthening environmental laws

• Addressing urgent challenges like pollution, water scarcity, energy use, and waste management

They also emphasized the role of schools in promoting sustainability, suggesting the creation of specialized committees to turn sustainability principles into actionable policies.

The Role of Education

Participants stressed that education should be the foundation for building sustainable societies. They proposed incorporating sustainability into school curricula and extracurricular activities. By learning about environmental protection, renewable energy, and mindful consumption from a young age, children can grow into responsible citizens who actively contribute to a sustainable future.

Youth Empowerment as Changemakers

One of the central themes of the session was the idea that children and young people are tomorrow’s changemakers. The young parliamentarians expressed that investing in youth is not only a moral duty but also a practical necessity. By empowering children with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, societies can ensure the creation of innovative solutions for complex sustainability challenges.

They highlighted that children’s voices must be valued and heard in policymaking. Their perspectives bring fresh ideas, creativity, and a deep sense of responsibility for the environment and society.

A Shared Responsibility

The session concluded with a strong message: sustainability is a duty for everyone, especially for the future generations who will inherit the planet. The young participants expressed their commitment to taking active steps, initiating projects, and advocating for policies that promote environmental responsibility.

They reminded adults, policymakers, and governments that children are capable of understanding complex issues and contributing meaningfully to societal development. By listening to and supporting young leaders, the Arab world can ensure a more sustainable, responsible, and innovative future.