Anas Mohammad

Engineer and humanitarian operations expert with over ten years of experience in education, livelihoods, protection, and food security sectors. Worked directly with UNRWA and managed projects in partnership with UNICEF, UNHCR, and WFP, while holding leadership roles in various government and non-government initiatives. Highly experienced in project coordination and management, capacity building, volunteer team development, and overseeing impactful community programs targeting youth and families. Delivered training and support to over 20,000 beneficiaries, focusing on enhancing livelihoods, education, and protection for the most vulnerable populations. In 2015, selected by UNICEF as a national success story for tangible social impact in Syria. Since the onset of the Syrian crisis in 2011, focused on transforming humanitarian challenges into opportunities, building effective partnerships among government bodies, international organizations, and local communities to foster sustainable development and improve the lives of individuals and families in complex humanitarian and development contexts. Extensive field and managerial experience equips me to lead multidisciplinary teams and achieve measurable results in complex humanitarian and development projects.

 

Anood Ashraf Shalabi

Anood Ashraf Shalabi is a program professional who bridges the worlds of sustainable energy engineering and social impact. In her role at the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, she helps execute complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in education and youth empowerment, coordinating programs with high-level partners.
Anood’s commitment to sustainability is a core part of her identity. She previously directed a sustainability program across 60 schools for the RAK Municipality and presented her research on plastic-to-energy conversion at the COP 28 Youth Pavilion. As a former Climate Committee Leader for the Green Youth Majlis, she led initiatives that tripled the group's membership. Anood is dedicated to leading projects that deliver measurable impact. 

Chloe Naaman Maksoud

I am a psychomotor therapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and over four years of experience in psychosocial and emotional support programs for children, adolescents, and caregivers. I have worked in both educational and therapeutic settings, supporting individuals with cognitive, emotional, motor, and behavioral challenges through direct intervention, program design, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams.
In parallel, I have extensive experience providing psychosocial support to caregivers and vulnerable populations, as well as designing a mental health curriculum for the elderly focused on emotional regulation, cognitive stimulation, body awareness, and social connection. A core aspect of my work is training facilitators to deliver this curriculum effectively, supervising their practice, and ensuring quality, sustainability, and ethical implementation.
 Driven by a strong commitment to social impact, I designed an initiative addressing the lack of psychomotor services for elderly people in the Chouf region. This initiative aims to improve quality of life, reduce isolation, and promote active and dignified aging through accessible, community-based interventions. I am eager to further develop my skills,particularly in digital tools and innovative approaches,to strengthen my professional practice and expand the reach and impact of my work.

Eiman Hasan AlEinawi

Eiman AlEinawi is a humanitarian professional driven by ambition and a deep passion for making a positive difference. With over 9 years of experience in an international humanitarian organization, she has developed strong expertise in communication, public and government relations, reporting, program management and fundraising. 

Throughout her career, she has gained extensive experience coordinating with donors, NGOs, and local partners to implement impactful humanitarian and development programs in complex contexts. 

Eiman has worked closely with non-governmental and civil society organizations, contributing to the design and implementation of initiatives that empower vulnerable communities and promote resilience. She has also played a key role in developing effective project proposals for funding and accompanied communication strategies to amplify voices of those in need and highlight inspiring humanitarian stories. Which ultimately supported in raising awareness of social and development issues on both local and international levels. 

Fawaz Rawad AlKhaldi

My name is Fawaz AlKhaldi. I am a proud Kuwaiti professional with a diverse background that includes banking, humanitarian partnerships, and youth engagement. I started my career at HSBC as a Client Service Manager in 2015, and in 2018, I had the opportunity to join UNHCR, where I have been passionately leading private sector fundraising and partnerships across the MENA region. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, a Master's in Entrepreneurship & Innovation (with Distinction) from Trinity College Dublin, and I am currently working towards an LLM in Commercial Law at the University of Reading. Outside of my professional pursuits, I was honoured to serve as a Member of the Youth Assembly of Kuwait, where I contributed to committees focused on environmental issues, economic development, and international relations. Fluent in both Arabic and English, I love combining my financial expertise, partnership skills, and advocacy efforts to make a positive impact across various sectors. I’m excited to be part of the Arab Youth Leaders in the Third Sector programme and my road towards launching my initiative.

Hajir Hussein Abbas

Hajar Hussein is an Iraqi volunteer, activist, and researcher specializing in education, youth development, and women’s empowerment. She has over ten years of experience in volunteer and community-based work across multiple fields. Throughout her journey, she has founded and actively contributed to numerous initiatives and projects aimed at creating sustainable social impact.

She is one of the founders of the Shababuna Volunteer Campaign Coalition, the largest volunteer network in Iraq, comprising 24 teams and more than 300 active volunteers distributed across all Iraqi governorates, in addition to thousands of individual initiative leaders inside and outside Iraq. The coalition implements an estimated 208 volunteer and community activities annually.

Hajar is the author of Educational Journey, the first book in the Arab world to document education systems in 23 Arab countries, developed over two years and based on more than 70 interviews with educators and activists. She also founded major volunteer educational programs benefiting thousands of students annually and reaching over one million learners through digital platforms. Additionally, she manages and coordinates media and communication efforts for numerous initiatives and has received multiple national, regional, and international recognitions, including being a TED speaker in 2025.

Hamza Hamdi

I am an educator and civic activist from Tunisia, currently working as a teacher with the Tunisian Ministry of Education and as a project manager with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Fernana. My academic background in educational sciences, political science, and humanities allows me to connect education, civic engagement, and social development in a coherent and practical way. Since 2018, I have been actively involved in civil society initiatives focused on youth empowerment, community development, and inclusive education.
My current initiative focuses on strengthening inclusive and innovative education for children and young people, particularly in rural and marginalized areas of Tunisia. The project aims to reduce educational inequality by supporting student engagement, preventing school dropout, and integrating non-formal education approaches such as citizenship education, debate, arts, and digital tools into the learning process. It also emphasizes parental awareness and community involvement as key factors in improving educational outcomes.
Through this initiative, I seek to create safe and motivating learning environments that empower learners with critical thinking, communication skills, and active citizenship values. By linking schools, civil society organizations, and local institutions, the project aspires to contribute to a more equitable, participatory, and future-oriented education system that responds to both local needs and broader social challenges.

Hawa Saidou Barane Ba

Hawa Saidou Barane Ba, I am an international education professional from Mauritania, currently working as an International Program Coordinator at Old Dominion University (USA). My work focuses on supporting international students, managing academic and mobility programs, and navigating education.
I am a Fulbright scholar with a Master’s degree in International Relations, with academic and professional experience at the intersection of education, migration, and social development. Through my work in international education and exposure to global development frameworks, I have developed a strong interest in how access to quality education shapes long-term social and economic outcomes. I am particularly interested in addressing educational inequalities affecting children in underprivileged communities. Having observed firsthand how gaps in early education; especially digital literacy; limit future opportunities, I am working on an initiative that provides basic computer and digital skills to public-school students in marginalized areas of Nouakchott through after-school learning hubs.
Through the Arab Youth program, I was able to develop my skills in strategic planning, social entrepreneurship, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable program design, while learning from regional and global leaders in the development ecosystem. Indispensable skills that will help me design solutions that are community-driven, scalable, and aligned with public education systems.
Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to building inclusive education models that empower young learners, reduce inequality, and prepare future generations for an increasingly digital world.

Hetam Yousaf Alzahaf

I am a third-sector leader from Libya currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Hostels Foundation My work focuses on strengthening youth civic engagement community participation, and inclusive local development with a particular emphasis on underserved areas.

Over the past years, I have led youth-centered initiatives aimed at building capacities promoting volunteerism, and creating safe and accessible spaces for young people to engage learn, and innovate. Through my work I have observed a strong motivation among youth in southern Libya to participate in community development and civic life. However this motivation is often constrained by limited resources, weak institutional support and a lack of strategic focus on the third sector in these regions, despite the availability of real development opportunities.

Currently, I am leading the development of a youth-focused initiative that seeks to bridge this gap by connecting young people with sustainable community hubs and strengthening partnerships between civil society, youth institutions, and the private sector. A key component of this initiative is leveraging existing youth institutions, such as youth hostels, by utilizing their facilities for training, innovation programs, and long-term partnerships, ensuring efficient use of local infrastructure.

My motivation for joining this program is to enhance my leadership skills, expand regional and international networks, and contribute to policy-oriented discussions that support youth participation, sustainable development, and locally driven solutions in fragile 

Islam Belaribi

Islam Belaribi is a cancer survivor, content creator and social activist from Algeria. His personal journey with cancer inspired him to make a difference and turn hope into action.

Building on his experience with local and international organizations, he founded the Hope Dose Foundation to support cancer patients, raise awareness, and spread hope.

Through his digital platforms reaching over 900,000 followers, Islam shares impactful messages that inspire youth, drive social change, and empower communities to live with purpose, driving meaningful change for a better futur

Majed Abdullah Bin Saad

Majed Abdullah bin Saad is an inspiring young leader who creates social impact voluntarily in the United Arab Emirates. He is the visionary founder of the ATHR project, a comprehensive ecosystem designed to achieve sustainable social impact. Through his project, he has pioneered a unique, collaborative & innovative model that unites diverse entities and individuals for a collective mission to amplify & sustain social impact. His impactful efforts have been widely recognized, earning him multiple national awards that solidify his position as a true and inspiring role model in the UAE.
 

Maryam AbdulKarim Abdulla Basilar

Maryam Abdulkarim Basilar is a Bahraini diplomat, humanitarian, and community leader currently serving as a Third Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain. She is widely recognized for her long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, social inclusion, and sustainable development, combining public service with impactful grassroots initiatives.

In 2011, Maryam founded HopeShip, a youth-led platform that has engaged hundreds of young people in meaningful volunteerism, fostering civic responsibility and leadership. Building on this momentum, she launched Kashkool, an initiative that showcased Bahraini youth artwork and directed its proceeds to support families in need, blending creativity with social impact. She later established Ala Thouqhum, a pioneering humanitarian program centered on preserving human dignity by enabling families to choose their essential needs in a respectful and empowering manner.

Alongside her community initiatives, Maryam has designed and delivered leadership and capacity-building programs for youth, while also championing inclusion for people of determination through sports and empowerment opportunities. Her efforts reflect a people-centered approach that prioritizes dignity, choice, and long-term impact.

In recognition of her contributions, Maryam was awarded the Exceptional Volunteer Award by His Royal Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Her humanitarian work extends beyond Bahrain, as she has participated in educational and humanitarian missions across Sri Lanka, Zanzibar, Nepal, Tanzania, and other countries. Through her diplomatic and humanitarian endeavors, Maryam continues to bridge local action with global responsibility.

Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed

I am Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, currently serving as the Director General of Jusoor Academy for Youth Empowerment in Somalia , and also as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development Kenya. Previously, I served as the Director of Zakat and Charitable Affairs in Somalia.

My journey in the third sector began at the age of seventeen as a volunteer with Al-Huda Charity. I progressed to Executive Secretary and then Project Manager at the Al-Sunnah Charity Center in Somaliland. Over the years, I have overseen the implementation of more than 3,000 humanitarian projects funded by the UAE, including mosque construction, well digging, orphan sponsorship, and drought relief programs.

I have participated in over ten international conferences in the humanitarian and third sector, including DIHAD in Dubai, and completed advanced training in quality management systems (ISO) for the charitable sector. I am also a certified Trainer of Trainers (TOT) in leadership and management, with a focus on developing institutional capacities and empowering human capital.

My mission is to advance sustainable community development, empower youth, and integrate human values with institutional innovation to create lasting social impact.

Nada Nassereddin

I am Nada Nassereddin, an NGO professional skilled in managing youth and climate-focused grants, designing workshops, and overseeing budgets. Currently working at the World Resources Institute in Washington DC, I contribute to climate related projects through financial planning, grants management, and program operations. Previously, as a Project Manager at Atlas Corps, I managed the logistics and curriculum design of the Fellowship Program. I previously worked in Palestine on projects that focused on involving women and youth in transforming local public services and incorporating human centered designs in digital services. In Abu Dhabi, I interned at AMIDEAST, supporting Emirati youth with their applications to the Fulbright scholarship. I hold a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the American University of Sharjah.

I am actively involved in community service, where I volunteer at a soup kitchen in Washington DC and at a local hospice to help hospice patients feel more comfortable during their last days of life. I also volunteered with an Arabic learning program to help children in refugee camps in the Levant region learn Arabic. In Palestine, I volunteered at a community village farm by harvesting olives, seed saving, and composting. More personally, my day is not complete without drinking tea, calling my parents, and learning a fun fact. I also consider myself to be a professional walker and while not a professional cook, I enjoy being in the kitchen. Lastly, my long term goal is to expand my skill set to continue contributing to Palestinian and Arab communities. 

Noor Bukhammas

Noor is a young Emirati aspiring Humanitarian. She currently works in the UN World Food Programme (WFP) as a Strategic Liaison Officer, playing a role in global efforts towards ending hunger and tackling food insecurity from the UAE to the world.

Her field experience in Uganda and Zambia has profoundly shaped her understanding of the humanitarian and development sector, nurturing her strong belief that youth voices are central to humanitarian work. Prior to WFP, Noor began her career in the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where she explored the intersection of political analysis, refugee issues and the role of international organizations. 

She is also a Global Shaper at the Dubai Global Shapers Hub, an initiative of the World Economic Forum, and a Global Youth Ambassador at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Through these platforms, she focuses on interfaith dialogue and youth empowerment.

In her free time, Noor loves to read literature on early Islamic history and archaeology and enjoys photography. As a former intern at the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, she is also passionate about culture policy and the urban fabric of the UAE.

Rand Saleh

Social worker and family counselor, holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work. I began my professional journey in the nonprofit sector through volunteer work during my university studies, where I contributed to supporting services for individuals with special needs by volunteering in specialized centers. I then worked as a social worker in rehabilitation centers before moving to the medical sector in hospitals, providing psychological and social support to patients and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic. I also published my Master’s research on coping with health and environmental crises and the role of community awareness. Later, I transitioned to the private sector, working in corporate communication and strategic partnerships within social responsibility programs. Currently, I work as a social worker and family counselor, offering psychological and social support to families. I have a deep interest in the nonprofit sector and strive to expand my knowledge and experience to contribute to sustainable achievements that serve communities.

Sami bani atyeh

I am a youth development practitioner and project manager working in southern Jordan with a focus on water security public health and sustainable development Through my work at Partners for Sustainable Development I collaborate closely with rural communities especially in Al Jafr where access to safe drinking water is a daily challenge

I lead community based initiatives that respond directly to local realities with practical and sustainable solutions One of my main initiatives focuses on installing household water filtration systems for families living below the poverty line to reduce water related health risks and improve daily living conditions

I believe effective development begins with listening and community participation I work to ensure local ownership sustainability and long term impact while bridging grassroots needs with broader development and social justice goals
 

Samira Moula Bakhsh Murad Al Balushi

 Samira Moula is a climate and policy advocate and the Founder and Executive Lead of GreenMinds, a youth-driven environmental initiative focused on delivering experiential sustainability and environmental education programs for school students. GreenMinds was established to address gaps in hands on environmental learning by strengthening next generation connection to nature and equipping them with practical sustainability and problem solving skills. Through structured, nature based programs. The initiative aims to cultivate environmental responsibility and long-term stewardship among students and their communities.

Through GreenMinds, Samira leads the design and implementation of experiential curricula that combine environmental education with practical application, including planting, composting, resource conservation, biodiversity awareness, and sustainable living practices. The programs are delivered in collaboration with schools and community partners and are built around interactive sessions, outdoor learning, and follow-up activities that encourage students to apply sustainability practices in their daily lives at home, in school, and within their local environments.

Samira has demonstrated strong leadership in organizing and delivering large scale youth climate initiatives. She hosted and organized the first Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) in Oman, establishing a national platform for youth engagement aligned with the UNFCCC process. She also led the organization of the Regional Conference of Youth (RCOY) in Egypt, one of the largest regional youth climate conferences, bringing together participants from across the MENA region to engage with policymakers, civil society, and international stakeholders on climate priorities and solutions.

In addition, Samira held leadership roles within youth delegations at COP27 and COP28, where she contributed to coordination, advocacy and structured engagement with international institutions. Her experience includes contributing to national and regional youth statements, and facilitating dialogue between youth representatives and decision makers.

Her professional experience spans program design and management and cross-sector collaboration with civil society organizations, government entities, and international institutions. Samira’s work is grounded in climate justice and inclusive participation, with a focus on building long term capacity, fostering environmental responsibility from an early age, and strengthening systems that enable meaningful and sustained climate action.

Sara Arafah

Sara Arafah is the Founder of Deloop, a first-mile social impact incubator in Jordan with a mandate to serve founders from the most remote and underserved communities. Her work focuses on the earliest and most overlooked stage of entrepreneurship, before ideas exist and before the ecosystem provides access. Through Deloop, Sara identifies high-potential individuals living far beyond traditional innovation hubs and equips them with modern skills, global exposure, and structured guidance to develop competitive, investment-ready ventures. Her approach challenges traditional charity-led models by prioritizing dignity, long-term economic participation, and systemic inclusion. Sara works closely with NGOs, international organizations, and private-sector partners to build sustainable pathways from talent discovery in remote areas to economic opportunity and ecosystem integration.

Shadin hilmy idrees Ali

My name is Shaden Hilmy Idris Ali. I work in event coordinate in the Emirate of Dubai. Through the Young Leaders Program, my project focuses on establishing a rehabilitation center for adolescents aged 10 to 17 who are struggling with drug addiction in all its forms.

Shawq Salem Al Jneibi

Specialized in government and institutional communication, marketing, and media, with over five years of experience in humanitarian, social, and development work across the UAE and internationally. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Sciences (Tourism and Culture) from Zayed University, with a proven track record in designing and delivering impact driven initiatives that integrate Emirati identity, community development, sustainability, and strategic partnerships. 

Contributed to showcasing Emirati heritage on international platforms through activating the Emirati Handicrafts Pavilion at COP28, and participated in the Leadership Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, supporting official delegation visits. Serves as Vice President of the ERC Youth Council and is an active member of the MENA Youth Network under IFRC, with advanced training in humanitarian negotiation, leadership, and community project development, Recognized with a letter of appreciation from the UAE Minister of Youth for contributions to social responsibility.

Tariq Saleh Alali

I am a senior executive at Dar Al Ber Society, working within the Office of the CEO, with practical experience in the third sector and humanitarian work in the UAE. My role involves institutional coordination, initiative development, and supporting programs that create sustainable social impact.

As a member of the UAE Youth Council for Humanitarian Work, I have contributed to several humanitarian and food security initiatives, including participation in relief and food support efforts at Emirates Humanitarian City. These experiences strengthened my understanding of community needs and the importance of structured, collaborative humanitarian responses.

Through my professional journey, I developed a strong interest in improving the efficiency, sustainability, and transparency of charitable initiatives. I am currently working on an initiative that focuses on documenting and mapping charitable food refrigerators across the UAE. The initiative aims to support better coordination among organizations, enable data-driven decision-making, reduce food waste, and ensure dignified access to food.

I strongly believe that youth leadership, supported by data, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, can significantly enhance the impact of the third sector. My participation in regional leadership programs reflects my commitment to developing scalable solutions aligned with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger.

Yasmin Hussien

Yasmin Hussien is an emerging advocate in international peace and security from Upper Egypt, with professional experience spanning humanitarian response, disarmament, and youth engagement.
She is currently an Intern at one of UN Representative offices , where she contributes to initiatives supporting refugees and displaced populations in conflict-affected settings. Alongside her humanitarian work, she serves as a mentor within the Youth Leader Fund for a World Without Nuclear Weapons, implemented by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs, supporting youth-led engagement in disarmament advocacy.
Yasmin is also a participant in the Young Women Mentorship Program at the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, where she strengthens her expertise in women, peace, and security, arms control, and multilateral disarmament processes.
Her international exposure includes participation in the International Visitor Leadership Program on Youth Civic Engagement, following her nomination by the U.S. Department of State. Academically, she is a graduate of the Arms Control and Negotiation  Academy Fellowship, delivered through a global consortium of leading academic institutions.
Beyond traditional security, Yasmin’s work increasingly focuses on climate-related peace and mobility issues. As a fellow of the Africa Climate Mobility Academy, she conducts policy-oriented research and advocacy on climate mobility governance in Africa and has represented international organizations in regional and global dialogues. She also contributed to the development of youth-oriented international climate policy materials.
She was recognized by the Arab Youth Center as one of the Young Arab Pioneers for her contributions to youth leadership and peacebuilding.

Youssef Askour

Youssef Askour is a civil society activist and a consultant specialized in strengthening the capacities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and project management. He has accumulated 15 years of experience in community work.

He has overseen numerous community projects and initiatives focused on enhancing the social impact of youth and women in local community development.

His background in Political Philosophy and Human Rights has been instrumental in shaping his rights-based approach, which draws upon international frameworks that support local community empowerment through capacity building to achieve sustainable and equitable development.

Youssef has participated in several national and international programs. Since 2017, he has been an accredited trainer by the Ministry Delegate in charge of Civil Society in the fields of Participatory Democracy, Public Policy Evaluation, and Advocacy. He also conducts specialized capacity-building workshops for youth and civil society organizations both in Morocco and abroad.

Youssef views continuous training and learning as the cornerstone of youth strength, having obtained certifications in communication, soft skills, media, political science, project management, and human rights.

Currently, Youssef holds the position of President of the Parity, Equal Opportunities, and Gender Approach Body within the Essaouira Provincial Council. He also serves as the Coordinator of the Citizen Participation Portal (Digi Essaouira) in the Province of Essaouira.