Saudi Youths Lead The Charge In Turning Environmental Awareness Into Climate Action

The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Talks recently concluded its final session at COP16, titled "Awareness Through Action." This session focused on the increasing involvement of Saudi youth in environmental projects and their role in transforming awareness into tangible actions to support the Kingdom's sustainability objectives.

Hend Moughrabieh, Director of Programs at the Saudi Youth Society (SYS), discussed SYS' approach to sustainability with Charles Phillips, an Associate at Aeon Collective. "To achieve a greener Saudi, we at Saudi Youth Society saw that the best way to get youths involved is to show them through action," she said. SYS engages young people through practical programs and initiatives.

Moughrabieh highlighted SYS’ tree planting initiatives, where young participants actively plant and care for trees across Riyadh. This effort contributes to the Saudi Green Initiative’s goal of growing 10 billion trees and helps youths understand environmental stewardship better. The collaborative nature of these efforts is emphasized by working with experienced mentors and organizations like the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC).

SYS also partners with recycling-focused charities to ensure their initiatives have a lasting impact. "No one can do anything on their own. We need to work together," she stated. These partnerships are crucial for achieving sustainable outcomes.

SYS empowers young people through various projects, including waste cleanup activities and competitions focused on Sustainable Development Goals in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme. These initiatives encourage youths to become active contributors to a greener future.

Moughrabieh reflected on the changing role of Saudi youth: "In light of Vision 2030, we have seen an incredible rise in youth-focused organizations and a recognition of the power that the youth carry in the Kingdom." She noted that SYS initiatives have inspired young people to take meaningful action within their communities.

"We do the action, and that is what leads to awareness, and that leads to change," Moughrabieh concluded. Her statement underscores the importance of active participation in fostering environmental awareness among Saudi youth.

With inputs from SPA