Young Future Energy Leaders Graduates Honoured As Khalifa University Marks 16th YFEL Graduation And New Phase Framework

Khalifa University of Science and Technology has recognised 50 members of its Young Future Energy Leaders outreach programme at the 16th annual graduation ceremony, after a year of training in sustainability leadership. The 2025 YFEL cohort completed projects, workshops and collaborations aimed at preparing young professionals to address complex energy and climate challenges across the region and beyond.

YFEL, launched in 2010, now has an alumni community of 680 members active in academia, private companies, start-ups and public institutions, according to Khalifa University. Participants in the 2025 cycle engaged with experts from industry and government, while also developing practical solutions that aligned with national and international sustainability priorities.

The 2025 edition of the Young Future Energy Leaders programme followed a redesigned three-stage structure that linked theory, experimentation and leadership practice. Phase I focused on core knowledge in energy systems, sustainability concepts and climate science. This gave participants a common base and helped them analyse technical and policy issues with clear, critical thinking.

Phase II moved into application through practical work on renewable energy options, climate mitigation and adaptation measures, and new technology fields. Phase III then emphasised leadership and delivery, with members guiding multidisciplinary teams. Participants were expected to translate earlier learning into measurable results and demonstrate the ability to manage complex sustainability initiatives.

A central feature of the 2025 Young Future Energy Leaders journey was the 5th Edition of the German-Emirati Sustainability Days. The event highlighted active collaboration between universities, businesses and international organisations. It showed how German engineering capabilities, Emirati strategic aims and youth-led innovation could align to produce applied responses to global sustainability challenges.

Across different forums, the 2025 Young Future Energy Leaders group presented work that addressed key regional priorities in sustainability and energy. Projects covered issues such as resource efficiency, low-carbon technologies and climate resilience. "The graduation of the 2025 YFEL cohort is especially meaningful as sustainability has moved from long-term aspiration to immediate responsibility," said Dr. Waleed Alameri, Associate Provost for Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering, Khalifa University.

Dr. Waleed Alameri noted that Khalifa University wants young people to understand global pressures and contribute to solutions, stressing coordination between universities, industry, government and international partners. The latest Young Future Energy Leaders achievements add to a growing network of 680 alumni, positioning the programme as a continuing source of skills and ideas for sustainability and energy leadership.

With inputs from WAM