Saudi youth leaders participated in a roundtable discussion addressing “Saudi Youth Expectations and Opportunities for COP16,” organized by the Center for Sustainability and Climate at Prince Sultan University in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Saudi Arabia.

In her keynote address, Ms. Layan Faisal Al Saud, speaking on behalf of UNDP Saudi Arabia, emphasized the critical role of youth in driving positive change. She stated: “Youth are determined to be agents of positive change. The UNDP seeks to harness the passion and potential of young people by collaborating with governments, civil society, and youth-led networks to create an environment that fosters inclusive governance, impactful action, and a sustainable future.” She further noted that UNDP actively participates in global initiatives, which include fostering partnerships among youth, advancing social entrepreneurship, and supporting youth-led environmental projects.

The roundtable discussion addressed the expectations of Saudi youth regarding COP16, with participants stressing the importance of making concrete commitments to combat desertification and land degradation, advancing sustainable land management, ensuring water security, and fostering agricultural innovation. They emphasized the need to bridge the gap between youth and policymakers to enhance youth participation in shaping environmental policies. The challenges highlighted included financial barriers, lack of educational resources, and the limited engagement of youth from rural areas and marginalized communities.

Despite these challenges, the participants underscored the opportunities available to youth, such as leveraging technology and innovation, fostering intergenerational collaboration, and raising awareness about the importance of environmental preservation. They stressed the importance of collective efforts between youth and the broader community to achieve sustainability goals.