New York: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations announced the names of the fifth cohort of "Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals," which includes 17 young men and women from around the world, including three young Arab women from Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia who are leading inspiring initiatives in important fields such as education, health, and space. According to the United Nations Daily News, which added, "This is the first class to be selected and announced by the newly established UN Youth Office, building on the legacy of the Office of the Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth, which launched the initiative in 2016.
Every two years, the UN Youth Office honors 17 exceptional young changemakers who are leading solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges, and whose leadership helps advance the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Since its launch, the initiative has reached millions of young people worldwide, inspiring action and amplifying youth-led innovation and collaboration.
The list of 17 young leaders active in the field of the Sustainable Development Goals includes:

⬅️Mariam Suleika – Egypt, 26: Founder and CEO of The Good News.

⬅️Sahaba Shawa – Jordan/Palestine, 32: Space and sustainability researcher; founder of the Palestinian Space Institute and the Jordan Research Initiative. Space.

⬅️Sahra Al-Nahari – Saudi Arabia, 28: Physician, health law strategist, and founder of Shafa Art.

⬅️Nila Ebrahimi – Afghan refugee residing in Canada, 18: Girls' education advocate; co-founder and president of HerStory.

Following an open call for applications earlier this year, which attracted more than 33,000 applications from over 150 countries, the 2025 Young Leaders for the SDGs – all aged 16 to 33 – hail from all over the world.
They are artists, community organizers, athletes, doctors, peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, and scientists working across all pillars of the United Nations: sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security.
“The 2025 cohort of Young Leaders for the SDGs is a powerful testament to the courage and creativity of young people,” said Philippe Poullier, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth. And the commitment of young people who are leading real change in every corner of the world.
He added: "From confronting the climate crisis and promoting mental health, to reimagining education and advocating for peace, these young leaders are not just responding to today's challenges—they are actively reshaping the future. In a time of profound division and uncertainty, they embody the very spirit of the United Nations: unity, action, and hope for a better tomorrow."
Listening to Youth Is a Must
The judging panel included influential leaders from the private sector, civil society, and government, including Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, Chairperson of Education Above All and Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, who said: "Young people have the talent to forge paths through this era of rapid change. Our world faces intractable challenges, which our young people will inherit. We need them to contribute to finding solutions, which is why listening to young people and recognizing their role in decision-making is not an option; it is an imperative. Let those with the greatest stake in the future help shape it for all of us."