Young Saudis will power the Kingdom's green future, says expert

Arab News

7 days ago

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030, sustainability has become a national priority. With more than 63 percent of the population under 30, young Saudis are emerging as key drivers of the Kingdom's green transition.
Eman Alhajji, a scientific researcher and founder of the Saudi Youth for Sustainability initiative, believes the role of Saudi youths goes beyond participation.
In 2021, she was named Young Changemaker for leading sustainability initiatives by Universita della Svizzera italiana during the MEM Summer Summit, in collaboration with the Middle East and North Africa Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.
'Young Saudis bring an intrinsic value rooted in their unique perspective,' she told Arab News. 'They possess a digital fluency and global awareness that allows them to seamlessly connect with international best practices and rapidly disseminate information.'
This combination, she said, makes them 'indispensable partners in shaping a resilient and prosperous Kingdom.'
The presence of younger generations is increasingly visible in major efforts such as the Saudi Green Initiative, the Middle East Green Initiative, and global platforms such as COP27 and COP16.
We are not only nurturing a generation of environmental stewards but also cultivating a new generation of green entrepreneurs, engineers and digital innovators — ensuring that Saudi Arabia's economic diversification is synonymous with sustainable growth and technological leadership.
Eman Alhajji, Saudi Youth for Sustainability initiative founder
From renewable energy storage to sustainable agriculture and advanced recycling, youth-led initiatives can serve as incubators for the green economy.
'We are not only nurturing a generation of environmental stewards but also cultivating a new generation of green entrepreneurs, engineers and digital innovators — ensuring that Saudi Arabia's economic diversification is synonymous with sustainable growth and technological leadership.'
A 2024 PwC report supports this, showing that 91 percent of Saudi youth are familiar with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, prioritizing quality education, clean water and sanitation, zero hunger, peace, justice and affordable clean energy.
It also noted that young Saudis are showing increasing interest in fields such as health care, renewable energy and tourism, viewing them as ways to make an impact while building the future.
Education remains a cornerstone. While AlHajji acknowledged progress in integrating sustainability into the Saudi school system, she called for more interdisciplinary and problem-based approaches.
'Sustainability should be seamlessly integrated across all subjects — from science and engineering to economics, urban planning, and even the arts — demonstrating its pervasive relevance,' she explained.
Hanin Aljifri, CEO of the Saudi Youth for Sustainability organization, echoed the sentiment, while noting a gap between awareness and action.
'The biggest challenge isn't a lack of interest — it's a lack of clear starting points. Many young people simply don't know where to begin or how to take the first step.'
Despite this, she remains optimistic.
'We've seen firsthand that a large number of youth in Saudi Arabia are eager to get involved in sustainability; they're passionate, motivated, and ready to contribute.'