Young Emirati Change-Maker Aims for Global Growth Following IUCN Congress
As-salamu alaykum! Young Emirati leaders are stepping up with fresh ideas and big ambitions as environmental experts gather in Abu Dhabi for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress.
One inspiring example is Majed Abdullah Bin Saad, a 27-year-old social innovator whose passion for conservation is helping the UAE combine care for the environment with positive social change.
Majed shared that his journey began early on through volunteering with family, friends, and schools. He said, “Alhamdulillah, being involved in different activities showed me how volunteering can really help develop our community.”
He founded the ATHR Project, named after the Arabic word for “impact” (أثر), which highlights the importance of protecting nature as the foundation for a sustainable future.
Majed explained, “You can't build a future for people without caring for nature. That realization inspired us to connect social good with urgent climate and biodiversity efforts.”
ATHR brings together government, private groups, and individuals using technology and community engagement to turn good intentions into real results. It supports youth and individuals through interconnected projects, including immersive social experiences, mobile outreach stations called MAHATAT, and a digital platform to empower people.
The project has reached all seven emirates, working with over 40 major partners and a growing network of young people eager to make a difference.
Majed’s efforts have been recognized with awards like the Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Environmental Medal, the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work, and the “Plan to Action” Seal from the UAE Year of Sustainability team.
This year, he was honored as one of the UAE’s Young Changemakers for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, representing the country at this important event held in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
He said, “The UAE is a perfect place for this congress, acting as a bridge between East and West to bring together different views to tackle our planet's challenges.”
The congress runs until October 15, hosting 10,000 delegates from over 140 countries, including officials, scientists, activists, and indigenous leaders.
Majed sees this as a chance to show how youth-led, locally based solutions can influence the global climate and biodiversity agenda. “Being chosen is a huge honor,” he said. “It shows that young people in the UAE are not just watching progress; we are helping build it. We are the architects of a nature-positive future.”
For him, conservation is about more than protecting the environment-it’s about fairness and leaving a healthy world for future generations. “Preserving nature means safeguarding the resources our communities and economies rely on,” he said.
While the UAE government invests heavily in climate efforts like clean energy and mangrove planting, youth projects like ATHR make environmental change feel personal and powerful.
At the congress, Majed aims to learn about new conservation technologies and community engagement ideas to bring back home. “I want to take the best from around the world and strengthen our own efforts,” he explained.
He also hopes to expand ATHR beyond the UAE. “If our model works here, it can work in other places too.”
Majed’s journey reflects a bigger movement where young people in the region are stepping up to own the planet's future through technology, advocacy, and building communities.
As he prepares to represent his country, Majed carries the hopes of a whole generation: committed, creative, and ready to lead.
“One big lesson I’ve learned is to always try your best and never underestimate your ideas,” he said. “Many of my ideas started small, just engaging my community, and now they’ve grown into a unique project with leading partners across the country.”
May Allah bless all efforts towards preserving our beautiful earth and empowering our youth.
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