AIESEC in Kuwait wins prestigious Middle-East & Africa Regional Award for Youth Speak Forum

• Award-Winning Achievement: AIESEC in Kuwait received its first-ever regional award at the Middle East and Africa Summit 2024 in Egypt, celebrating its success in youth empowerment.

• Youth Speak Forum Success:

– Hosted over 100 youth and experts in May 2024.
– 27 impactful sessions led by 20 experts in partnership with 15 organizations.
– Aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• World’s Largest Lesson: Engaged over 600 students in 1 hour across 28 classes with 30 facilitators, promoting awareness of the SDGs.

• Partner and Delegate Recognition:

– Partners praised the event’s exceptional organization and youth leadership.
– Delegates appreciated the inclusive, engaging, and empowering atmosphere.

• Commitment to the Future: AIESEC in Kuwait aims to expand initiatives, fostering leadership and sustainable action among youth.

AIESEC in Kuwait celebrates their significant achievement and milestone by winning a regional award at the Middle East and Africa Summit 2024 which took place in Al-Ain Al-Sokhna, Egypt in November.

This award recognized the passion and efforts of youth in Kuwait in executing AIESEC in Kuwait’s second successful large event, the Youth Speak Forum, held in May earlier this year. This marks the first-ever award for AIESEC in Kuwait, “which came within two years of its resumption post Covid, solidifying its impact and commitment to youth empowerment.”

The Youth Speak Forum was first introduced in 2016 following the launch of United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals, and is a global initiative powered by AIESEC, the world’s
largest youth-led organization, aimed at youth leadership development, empowering young
people to address key social issues and drive impactful change.

This year’s forum in Kuwait was a dynamic platform hosting more than 100 youth individuals and experts, united under the common purpose of encouraging youth to speak up and take action on sustainability and the causes they care about. Over the course of this 2 day forum, 27 spaces and impactful sessions were led by 20 renowned experts, supported by 15 dedicated partners, delivered in 16 hours, to over 100 engaged youth participants.

Youth Speak Forum is part of a three-step program. First, the “Youth Speak Survey” which gathers insights from youth around the country, about the issues they are currently facing and care about. Based on these findings, the forum’s theme and agenda is then aligned with those issues and linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After the forum concludes, the solutions and projects created during the event are implemented as “Youth Speak Projects” by AIESEC and the youth who devised them.

The following winning project ideas from Youth Speak Forum, designed as impactful solutions
were created and presented by the delegates. These projects will now move forward to
implementation:

1. Quality Education: A transformative initiative aimed at improving access to inclusive and equitable education, empowering communities with lifelong learning opportunities.
2. Trash to Treasure: A sustainability-driven project focused on recycling and upcycling waste materials into valuable products, fostering a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.
3. Green Heroes: A community-based movement advocating for environmental preservation through awareness campaigns, tree-planting drives, and sustainable living practices.
4. EmpowerUp: A social empowerment project designed to equip youth and women with essential skills and resources for self-sufficiency and leadership development.
5. ElectroTransit: An innovative solution promoting eco-friendly urban mobility by integrating electric transportation systems to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainable urban living.

Building on this momentum and connecting to the topic of sustainability, AIESEC in Kuwait organized Kuwait’s first-ever World’s Largest Lesson on an additional optional day after the
Youth Speak Forum. In just 1 hour, this initiative engaged over 600 students across 28 classes
with over 30 facilitators, in two schools making an extraordinary impact on youth education and awareness about the SDGs.

“AIESEC in Kuwait is incredibly honored to receive this regional award and recognition, as it is proof of the potential of youth in Kuwait” said Maysoon Al-Attar, President of AIESEC in Kuwait. “This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners, who have shared our vision for youth empowerment and contributed to making the Youth Speak Forum a resounding success.”

The award is a testament to the dedication of AIESEC in Kuwait’s team and the invaluable partnerships that helped bring Kuwait’s first Youth Speak Forum to life. Educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations collaborated to provide resources, expertise, and mentorship. This collective effort fostered dialogue on pressing challenges and innovative solutions aligned with the SDGs, amplifying youth voices and promoting proactive social engagement.

Partners praised the event for its outstanding organization and youth-driven execution. Seneca Cottom from AlShaya Group shared, “The day was organized really well, the program was engaging, there was a lot of energy, and it was amazing to see youth put on such a well-run event.” Tatjana Colin from UNICEF emphasized, “Need to include young people in the design of ALL programs for young people.” Leen AlHaffar from City Group Co added, “The number of youth who are part of the organization and the amount of details prepared and managed purely by them. Great success story!”

As for delegates, they expressed their appreciation for the welcoming and engaging atmosphere
of the event. Noor Najeeb shared, “The staff, the audience, the speakers—all of them were friendly and respectful. I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to all of them, including the staff members, and I have enjoyed and learned a lot of great things.” Lamis Khalil added, “I loved how comfortable I felt at the event because of the speakers and their informality (in a good way). I liked how they spoke and the funny jokes they made every once in a while.”

AIESEC in Kuwait extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who supported both the Youth Speak Forum and this remarkable regional award. Together, they have laid the foundation for continued success, inspiring youth leadership and social change within Kuwait and beyond.

Looking ahead, AIESEC in Kuwait remains committed to peace and fulfilment of humankind’s potential, by empowering young people and expanding its initiatives to inspire more youth across the country. The team eagerly anticipates working with partners to foster a culture of leadership and action, aiming to make an even greater impact in the years to come.