The Fourth Youth Ambassadors Program concluded in Kuwait City after seven months of training and awareness activities centered on sustainability, with backing from the British Embassy in Kuwait, the Canadian Embassy, and the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator. This year’s program emphasized Sustainable Development Goal 11, which focuses on creating sustainable and resilient cities and communities.

A total of 41 high school students between the ages of 14 and 18 participated in the initiative. Throughout the program, they engaged in workshops and dialogue sessions covering topics such as urban planning, sustainable transportation, green infrastructure, waste management, climate change adaptation, cultural heritage preservation, and social inclusion.

Counselor Abdulmohsen Al-Mansour, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, spoke at the closing ceremony on behalf of Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Sadiq Marafi. He underscored the importance of investing in youth as a vital step toward building a sustainable and prosperous future. He noted that the program enhanced the participants’ understanding of inclusive and safe cities while helping develop their leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.

Ghada Al-Taher, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kuwait and Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighted the program’s role in increasing youth awareness on urban sustainability challenges. She stated that participants examined subjects such as smart cities, green spaces, and social inclusion through a comprehensive sustainability lens.

During the closing event, Al-Taher expressed hope that wisdom and dialogue would prevail to preserve regional security and stability. She also reaffirmed ongoing cooperation between the United Nations, Kuwaiti government agencies, and regional partners to improve crisis management preparedness and facilitate expertise exchange.

Stuart Summers, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy, said the program gave participants valuable exposure to international experts and institutions, allowing them to gain practical leadership and teamwork experience. He emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts and shared responsibility in tackling both global and local challenges.

Canadian Ambassador to Kuwait Tara Scheurwater noted that the program supported development of communication and teamwork skills while fostering respect for diversity among the youth, despite the complex regional and international environment surrounding this year’s edition.