Ali, 24, has always believed that young people hold the power to spark change. A Business Administration student specializing in General Management, he is determined to show that protecting the environment begins with climate education and that meaningful action starts close to home, with the vision of building a green resilient society.
As a young champion in Lebanon, Ali is part of a growing network of young changemakers working to initiate green actions that aims to transform their communities. His journey into environmental action started out with curiosity. “My love for research helped me better understand the challenges we face,” he explained. “I realized how much climate change affects our daily lives, our health, and our future.” But for Ali, knowledge alone wasn’t enough. After months of learning and conducting research, he decided it was time to do more than research. “It’s time for action. It’s time for a change. We need to go beyond cleaning—we need to educate, create awareness, and start a culture shift,” he said.
Ali took the lead in organizing the climate education activities within his community, with the support of UNICEF and its partners, part of the Greener Lebanon project, showing youth how everyday practices, like throwing away plastic bags or wasting water, damage the environment. Before organizing these sessions, Ali was trained on Climate Action Kit developed by UNICEF, which equipped him with the knowledge and tools to engage other young people. The kit covered key climate terms and definitions, and explained the different layers of climate action, starting with reducing consumption, then reusing materials,collecting and recycling them. It also described the impact of climate change on Lebanon and highlighted the vital role of youth in tackling this challenge.
Ali led an interactive climate education session for 45 young people in Saida in south of Lebanon, blending practical learning and collective action. All participants joined through the Nahno volunteering platform, the national volunteering platform that engages youth in volunteering initiatives and connects them with opportunities to contribute to their communities.
The day began with a simple but powerful invitation: to make a personal promise to protect the environment. This step was more than symbolic; it was a way to spark individual responsibility and set the tone for action. By encouraging each participant to make a commitment, Ali guided participants to turn education into action, reinforcing the idea that change begins with personal accountability. Participants learned about topics ranging from waste management to plastic pollution and the importance of planting trees and waste reduction. They explored how behavior changes like sorting household waste or switching to reusable containers can help keep Lebanon’s coasts and streets clean. “Cleaning a beach is important, but it’s just the beginning,” Ali said. "The real impact comes when we start changing how we think and act every day.” To make the learning experience more grounded in environmental realities, Ali led a discussion on the importance of reducing solid waste and promoting greener habits. The session highlighted how harmful practices, such as excessive use of plastics and improper waste disposal, contribute to the overproduction of solid waste and the growth of unsanitary dump sites. Participants also were trained on how planting trees plays a vital role in improving air quality and supporting healthier communities.
The day concluded with planting more than 60 trees aligned with the regulation of tree plantation. Standing among the saplings, Ali felt optimistic. “I’m happy because this will be like a snowball effect,” he said. “These 45 young people will share their knowledge with others. That’s how real impact grows.” He aims to reach more people and inspire others to take part in these projects.
Ali’s holds a vision that goes far beyond environmental education sessions; he aims to show how youth can drive change in their communities through concrete actions. He believes that meaningful change starts with education, shifting behaviors, and engaging communities with actions at the local level. For him, taking action on the ground is essential before calling for policy change. “We have to communicate with people that this is about our health, our environment, our future,” he said. “It’s our responsibility, and it should be a priority for all of us.” Ali plans to continue leading by example and aspires as a leader in climate action to be part of long-term policy change towards sustainability. For Ali, every action counts, no matter how small. He encourages young people to look for opportunities to develop green skills to ensure sustainability in their environment, join green volunteering initiatives, and inspire others to do the same. “Start with a small step,” he said. “Be part of the change, even if it feels small. One action leads to another and that’s how big change happens”.
“Greener Lebanon” Green visions and thriving futures empowering youth for sustainable impact is a partnership between the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU) to empower youth in Lebanon to drive environmental action. This partnership will support young people in Lebanon to take part in greening actions that protect biodiversity, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices in their communities all while engaging in a structured climate action curriculum. Through hands-on experience in local greening initiatives, youth will not only strengthen their skills but turn climate action into a pathway for personal growth, economic empowerment, and lasting impact.
