Disclaimer: This map is provided to facilitate the general location of the EAA supported projects. EAA does not have an official position regarding boundaries of or
disputed boundaries between countries.
Last month, on July 15, we marked Youth Skills Day at a time when technological progress is accelerating like never before. But the focus cannot be confined to a single day or month, it must be a year-round commitment. The 2025 theme, Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills, could not be more timely. In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence and digital innovation, embracing these skills is no longer optional -- it is essential. To ignore them is to fall behind; to miss out is to be left out.
Yet, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills are justifiably capturing the limelight, green skills remain underemphasised. With the climate crisis looming, we must not loose sight of the importance of equipping youth with green skills to tackle the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future.
A Planet in Peril – A way Forward
As human activity pushes the planet to its limits, change will come not from the leaders of today, but from the decision-makers of tomorrow. Our past choices have undeniably shaped the environmental challenges we now face. We are experiencing firsthand the impacts of climate change, loss of biodiversity, and widespread pollution. Entire ecosystems have degraded and collapsed, extreme weather events have increased both in intensity and frequency, and vulnerable communities across the globe are being displaced as a result of rising sea levels, floods and droughts.
There is no doubt that progress has been made through increased global awareness, a shift toward cleaner renewable energy, and advances in green technology. But it is not enough and significant challenges remain. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Report of 2024 reveals that we are not on track to meet the SDGs by 2030. Therefore, equipping our youth, the future leaders and decision makers, with essential green skills is of paramount importance to ensuring a sustainable future.
In this regard, World Youth Skills Day is not a mere celebration, but a global call for action.
Youth, Green Skills, and Why They Matter?
Today, according to the United Nations, there are over 1.2 billion people who fall within the age group of 15 -24 years. That is 16% of the of the global population, and this number is expected to rise to 1.3 billion by 2030. Many of these young people face challenges such as access to education and employment opportunities. However, with a proper education and the right skills set, this growing population of youth can be a powerful force for positive change and sustainable development. Therefore, it is essential that we invest in these youth and equip them with necessary green skills to facilitate their transition in to the green economy, empowering them to drive sustainable innovation and lead climate action.
According to The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) secretariat (UN Climate Change), Green Skills encompasses the technical knowledge, practical expertise and understanding required to be able to use various green technologies and make informed decision that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. They are instrumental in ensuring a smooth and successful transition of youth to the green economy – but we need to move now and we need to move fast.
The future looks promising for the green sector. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), transitioning from fossil fuel-based energy sources to a more renewable and sustainable energy based circular economy can lead to the creation of 100 million jobs. In fact, a transition to the green economy could see 8.4 million jobs in the next 5 years alone. Hence, it is extremely important that we invest in the youth, equip them with these green skills in preparation of this transition.
Education Above All Foundation’s Reach Out to All Programme’s main intervention areas -- green skills for green jobs – looks at exactly this. Through UN organisations, International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs), and other local partners, our message is clear: be the change you want to see.
With targeted interventions in marginalised and climate-affected communities, EAA Foundation is mobilising youth in Asia and beyond, and building their capacity and skills to access jobs in the green economy. These initiatives are not only preparing young people to thrive in a green economy but also inspiring them to lead climate action efforts within their communities, contributing to a greener, more resilient and sustainable future.
It is imperative that we act now and we act fast. It’s a race against time to ensure the youth are guided and provided with the correct green skills to transition in the green economy and create lasting change.
It’s time for all of us to come together and reaffirm our commitment to equip our youth, the leaders of tomorrow, with the right green skills, preparing them to face the challenges of climate change. With the proper direction and support they will be ready to adapt, improvise, and overcome the obstacles, finding opportunities within them.
The future is in their hands, so let us equip them with the tools to shape it.
Ahmad Mujthaba Dheen Mohamed
Ahmad Mujthaba Dheen Mohamed is a Climate Change, Sustainability and Environment professional with almost a decade’s long career spanning various sectors from consultancy and oil & gas, to academia and development.
He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental and Marine Sciences, from Qatar University and has international memberships at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) and The Institute of Environmental Sciences (IES).
Mr. Dheen Mohamed joined the Education Above All Foundation’s (EAA), Reach Out to All (ROTA) programme as a Climate Action Consultant, where he focuses on the co-development of climate adaptation and mitigation projects in climate affected countries, that empower youth to lead the fight against climate change.
"Humanity will not overcome the immense challenges we face unless we ensure that children get the quality education that equips them to play their part in the modern world." -- HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser
Our Impact
22million+
total beneficiaries
3.3million +
Youth Economically Empowered
2.6 million+
Skills training provided to teachers, school staff, and community members
July 21, 2025
Ahmad Mujthaba Dheen Mohamed is a Climate Change, Sustainability and Environment professional with almost a decade’s long career spanning various sectors from consultancy and oil & gas, to academia and development.
