LocationsYouth4Sustainability Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator Initiative Concludes with a Ceremony Honouring its Youth Volunteers.
November 17, 2024
Aqaba, October 24, 2024 — The United Nations Development Programme in Jordan, in collaboration with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the Danish-Arab Partnership Programme (DAPP), supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, celebrated the achievements of Jordanian youth in advancing sustainable growth through the Youth4Sustainability (Y4S) Network 2023-2024 Programme. In a ceremonial gathering, over ten dedicated Jordanians received certificates of completion and plaques, in recognition of their efforts over the past year in amplifying youth voices and promoting sustainable practices across Jordan.
The event not only honoured these young volunteers but also marked a significant milestone in UNDP Jordan’s commitment to fostering youth leadership in green growth and sustainable development. At its core, the Y4S initiative is designed to empower young people with the skills and leadership capacity needed to actively shape green growth and climate action within their communities. Through hands-on involvement and partnerships with efforts like the Heart of Amman youth hub and the Youth Rangers programme in Aqaba, Y4S ensures that youth voices are central to Jordan’s sustainable development journey. They were also involved in youth participation in NDC reviews and climate policy at the national level in Jordan. As a key part of UNDP’s Green Growth and Jobs Accelerator, Y4S provides a framework for youth-led sustainable practices and connects young people with key partners in green development. This year alone, Y4S ran 10 sessions on green practices, engaging over 500 young participants, with 65% being female.
As part of the ceremony, youth volunteers shared insights from their time with UNDP and UNV, participating in reflective discussions on the role of youth in socio-economic development. The youth volunteers engaged in sessions that covered the importance of ethics in youth work, teamwork, and the ‘Ladder of Participation,’ emphasising the importance of youth-led contributions to sustainability. Through these discussions, the volunteers were inspired to translate their experiences into meaningful actions, reinforcing their capacity to actively contribute towards Jordan’s green growth and social development.
“Through this initiative, I was able to leverage my leadership skills as a young woman. It opened a space for me to think not only about the problem but also to find solutions and respond in a collaborative manner.”Rama Yaghi, a Y4S volunteer.
“I gained deeper insights into environmental work and how young people can be a fundamental driving force for change.”Abdallah Khashashneh, a fellow Y4S volunteer.
The volunteers also visited the Aqaba Marine Reserve, where Youth Rangers led an educational tour, highlighting the crucial role young advocates play in protecting Aqaba’s natural resources and marine life. This learning opportunity showcased how environmental stewardship can lead to impactful, long-term change and provided inspiration for the youth to contribute further to Jordan’s green growth agenda.
The Youth4Sustainability initiative, reaffirms the commitment of UNDP Jordan in empowering youth as leaders in sustainable development. The youth in this programme not only gained valuable experience but have also positioned themselves as changemakers in their communities. As they conclude this phase of their journey, they leave the programme with enhanced skills and a commitment to foster positive change, making a lasting impact on Jordan’s journey toward sustainability.
Key Achievements
Notes to Editors
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