In the midst of Dubai’s Year of Sustainability, a new wave of Arab youth is leading the charge towards a greener future. These Gen Z trailblazers from the UAE are not just talking about climate change – they’re actively working on innovative solutions for pressing climate issues.
As COP28 approaches, three teams of young climate activists are gearing up for the Arab Youth Hackathon final, a platform provided by PepsiCo and the Arab Youth Center (AYC) to showcase youth climate solutions on a global scale. With a strong focus on sustainability, this program empowers youth to develop innovative companies, products, or services that align with global environmental goals and combat climate change.
The three teams have developed solutions in relation to waste, renewable energy, marine life and more. Their ideas are at the forefront of change, aligning perfectly with COP28’s goal of enhancing the caliber of young climate activists.
Young climate activists are leading the charge
In today’s world, climate anxiety has grown to become a ceaseless background noise. Young people are at the helm of political and economic restrictions that increasingly perpetuate fear and concern for our future. It’s a collective worry that seeps into our daily lives, urging us to question the actions of the past and the choices of the present.
But within this anxiety lies a powerful catalyst for action. It drives us to seek solutions, demand change, and champion a sustainable future. Pioneers like Greta Thunberg have galvanized this generation to rise up, speak out, and demand change from those in power. She has not only awakened a collective conscience but she’s also provided a roadmap for young activists everywhere, proving that even the smallest voice can reverberate across the world, calling for a greener, more sustainable future.
As we approach COP28, it’s clear that the youth have a pivotal role to play in the success of climate progress. The future of the environment belongs to Gen Z, and in the UAE, they’re innovating today and not waiting for tomorrow.
Via @gretathunberg on Instagram
Arab Youth Hackathon at COP28
PepsiCo, along with PepsiCo Foundation, and Arab Youth Center shortlisted three teams, Esaal, SolAir, and Krabby from UAE for the Arab Youth Hackathon final.
The teams are now set to compete against other regional challengers at COP28, as part of the Arab entrepreneurship program for young talents. Finalists from Egypt were announced last week, with Jordan, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia expected to follow in the coming weeks. The finals of the competition, featuring 15 of the most promising solutions from the five countries, will take place at COP28 in Dubai.
The three best innovators will receive funding from the PepsiCo Foundation to launch their businesses, worth $30,000 for the winner, $20,000 for the runner-up, and $10,000 for the second runner-up. This is a rare opportunity for regional young climate activists to accelerate their ideas and contribute to a better, greener future.
Meet the teams of young climate activists
Esaal
Esaal is founded by a trio of young climate activists from the United Arab Emirates University, Reem AlMussabeh, Alhasan Farajallah, and Anas Al-Tomili. Their idea involves a digital analytics platform, aiming to revolutionize business decision-making. Esaal eliminates paper receipts and transforms them into smart digital receipts, offering actionable insights. Less paper waste, we love it!
SolAir
SolAir is a concept led by founders Keegan Cobb and Azzan Farooq, both from the American University of Sharjah. They have developed a device that utilises pressurised air to clean solar panels, all without the need for water. This innovation aims to maintain solar panels at their maximum efficiency, securing less waste and contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
Krabby
Krabby is a climate solution business founded by Harsh Garg, Sanober Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Anurag Kumar Jha from BITS Pilani. Using artificial intelligence, Krabby identifies healthy coral fragments and transplants them to suitable locations, contributing to coral reef preservation.
The COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12.