We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Quarterly Report for the first quarter of 2024, highlighting the Yle Foundation's engagement in impactful international events. This report encapsulates our commitment to global goal to fight climate change impacts and the outcomes of our endeavors during this period.
Ahmed Fathi, as the Founder of "Youth Love Egypt Foundation" and representing the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA).participated in the Sixth Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 6), 26 February to 1 March 2024 and deeply involved in Cluster D resolution.
YLE Organized Climate and Environmental Awareness Workshop at Wadi Degla Protectorate.
In the Embrace of Wadi Degla: Nature's Majesty Meets Earth's Beauty in YLE's Children's Environmental Workshop
Demonstrating its commitment to educating young minds, YLE Foundation held a climate and environmental awareness workshop for children at the Wadi Degla Protectorate on Friday, January 12th, 2024. The workshop targeted 30 children from various schools and age groups, aiming to raise their awareness of environmental issues and empower them to protect our planet.
Interactive Activities and a Welcoming Environment
The workshop commenced with engaging and fun group activities prepared and led by YLE Foundation members Sohaila Nasser and Hania Mohamed. These activities helped the children break the ice, fostering a friendly and joyful atmosphere.
Following the icebreakers, the children were divided into groups to delve into crucial environmental topics:
Water: YLE Foundation member Norhan Basheer discussed the water cycle, causes of water pollution and scarcity, with the first group. She also taught them how to conserve water, manage consumption, and even create a homemade water filter from plastic bottles.
Climate Change: Sohaila Nasser, another YLE member, explained climate change to the second group, including its causes, effects on the environment and life in general. The discussion also covered the concept of carbon footprint and ways to reduce it.
Recycling: Heba Allah Hesham, a YLE member, introduced the third group to waste management and recycling principles. She explained how waste can be transformed into valuable resources, saving money, energy, and raw materials.
YLE Granted ECOSOC Accreditation
A Huge Honor and Historic Step towards Youth Empowerment on the Global Stage.
What is ECOSOC?
ECOSOC is a central body within the United Nations, responsible for coordinating international cooperation in the areas of sustainable development, economic and social affairs, and culture.
Why Announce the Accreditation Now?
While YLE Foundation actually received ECOSOC accreditation last year, we've chosen this moment to make the official announcement. We see this timing as a golden opportunity to further unlock doors for global youth engagement with the UN.
We believe in the power of youth participation in building a better future for all.
Together, we can make a positive difference!
YLE Foundation announced its accreditation by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone, reflecting our unwavering commitment to creating a positive global impact through our programs and initiatives.
What Does This Accreditation Mean for YLE Foundation?
With this accreditation, YLE Foundation will be able to:
- Contribute to global discussions on sustainable development and high-level forums.
- Send seven permanent representatives to key events in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.
- Champion youth participation in international decision-making.
- Empower young minds and provide a platform for active engagement at UN conferences.
YLE in GCA CEO's Youth Advisory Panel 2024
Ahmed Fathy, President and Founder of YLE Foundation, has been selected as a member of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) CEO's Youth Advisory Panel 2024.
The role of the Youth Advisory Panel is to:
- Provide strategic advice to the GCA CEO on youth engagement.
- Support advocacy efforts to advance global climate adaptation efforts.
- Raise awareness among young people to drive the adaptation agenda forward.
The GCA is a global center that works to accelerate action on climate adaptation.
The panel this year comprises young leaders from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Middle East and North Africa, and Oceania and Small Island Developing States, reflecting a geographically and gender balanced representation of the youth adaptation movement.
Fathy was selected for this position based on his experience in national and local adaptation work, as well as his participation in decision-making processes. He also plays a prominent role in the environmental field.
Through this position, Fathy will be able to provide strategic advice to the GCA CEO.
Powerful Statement at UNEA-6 Briefing
Mr. Fathy participated in the Final Briefing for UNEP Major Groups and Stakeholders, Africa, gearing up for the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).
YLE Foundation at the Forefront of Environmental Action in Africa
Key Takeaways from Mr. Fathy's Presentation:
- Empowering Major Groups: Mr. Fathy emphasized the crucial role of major groups, including NGOs, in representing African voices and actively shaping a better future for the continent at UNEA-6.
- Sharing Expertise: Drawing on his experience attending previous UNEA sessions, Mr. Fathy offered valuable insights and assistance to those seeking guidance on the upcoming UNEA-6 agenda.
- Focus on Sustainable Lifestyles: Highlighting the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, Mr. Fathy delved into Cluster D of the UNEA-6 agenda, focusing on Resolution 19 related to sustainable lifestyles.
- Individual and Community Action: Mr. Fathy discussed the draft resolution on Sustainable Lifestyles, emphasizing the power of individual and community-level actions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.
- Collaboration is Key: Mr. Fathy stressed the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and utilizing behavioral economics principles to foster sustainable lifestyles.
- A Call to Action: Mr. Fathy reiterated the necessity for global, regional, and local action to address environmental crises. Implementing proposed resolutions and promoting sustainable lifestyles are crucial to building a more sustainable and resilient future.
YLE Foundation Participated in GNDR Global Disaster Risk Reduction Summit
A critical global platform that bringsAtogether sector leaders and innovators from around the world, particularly the Global South, who are working on disaster risk reduction and building resilience.
During the summit, GNDR members, civil society organizations, funders, disaster risk reduction experts, academia, businesses, and representatives from the most disaster-prone communities participated in:
- Sharing knowledge and experiences on the latest challenges and solutions in disaster risk reduction.
- Building new partnerships for local financing.
- Discussing policies for early action in addressing and adapting to climate change and disaster risk reduction.
Ahmed Fathy, President and Founder of YLE Foundation, participated in the GNDR Global Disaster Risk Reduction Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya from February 20th to 22nd, 2024.
Ahmed Fathy, actively participated in the summit by:
- Engaging in panel discussions and working groups.
- Sharing his vision and ideas on disaster risk reduction.
- Collaborating with other participants to develop innovative solutions for global disaster risk reduction.
The summit yielded positive outcomes, including:
- The sharing of innovative solutions for local financing.
- The formation of new partnerships for disaster risk reduction action and advocacy.
- The strengthening of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
YLE Foundation Makes Waves at the Global Disaster Risk Reduction Summit in Nairobi 2024
Ahmed Fathy, President of YLE Foundation, took center stage as a speaker in a panel discussion titled "Localizing Climate Change Adaptation." This session delved into the interconnectedness of climate adaptation and risk awareness, with a specific focus on the agriculture and urban development sectors.
Fathy also explored nature-based solutions that empower communities to address the climate crisis by harnessing the power of the natural environment to build sustainable and resilient communities.
Mr. Fathy's participation extended beyond sharing valuable insights. He actively engaged with other panelists and summit attendees, showcasing YLE Foundation's comprehensive plan for addressing and mitigating disaster risks. His focus on fostering sustainable climate adaptation strategies resonated with the audience, sparking important conversations about global collaboration and collective action.
Youth Love Egypt Foundation Participates in BRICS Emerging Countries Model (MEC) Cairo, Egypt
Youth Love Egypt Foundation" actively participated in the "4th BRICS Emerging Countries Model (MEC)" organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the patronage of the Prime Minister's Office of Egypt, in cooperation with the "Voice of Egyptian Youth Society.
The foundation was represented by Eng. Sohila Nasser, Development and Sustainability Coordinator. Eng. Sohila Nasser participated in simulated negotiations and discussions on topics such as trade, investment, environment, and climate change. Participants also exchanged knowledge and expertise with business leaders, officials, and experts in various fields, gaining a deeper understanding of BRICS countries' policies, economies, and international relations.
YLE Made Impactful Contribution at UNEA6
Ahmed Fathi, founder of the Youth Loves Egypt (YLE) Foundation, participated in the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA6) held in Nairobi, Kenya.
Highlights of Ahmed Fathi's UNEA6 Participation:
- Fathi co-facilitated a Resolution Cluster D session at the GMGSF-20, driving progress on environmental challenges in industries and lifestyles. This included focusing on sustainable mineral management, promoting a circular economy in sugarcane production, and advocating for sustainable consumption practices.
- Met with prominent figures, including the President of COP29, the Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, Steven Guilbeault (Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change), and Hakima El Haite (President of UNEA6 and Morocco's Environment Minister). Discussions with Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP, further emphasized the importance of collaborative action.
- Actively engaged with the organizing committee of COP16 scheduled for December in Riyadh, fostering partnerships for future environmental initiatives. He also took a stand in support of a global ceasefire, underlining YLE's commitment to a peaceful world.
- Participated in the Major Group and Stakeholders Forum (February 24/25) and various meetings and side events.
About the participants in the program
The workshop yielded 14 impactful policy papers tackling various environmental challenges:
- Farouk: Impact of Climate Change on Agricultural Sector
- Hassan: Impact of Climate Change on Tourism
- Ali: Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Coastal Zones
- (and more!)
Regional Policy Papers Writing Workshop 2024
Youth Love Egypt Foundation organized a 3-day workshop on writing climate policy papers and enhancing the capacity of civil society organizations, as part of the ARCH program conducted in collaboration with CRISP and PACJA, and funded by IKI.
Engineers Donia, Sohaila, and Makadi led interactive sessions to deepen understanding of regional public policy writing and its role in environmental action. This workshop, a key part of the ARCH program, is a collaboration between YLE Foundation and the Crisp Foundation with financial support from IKI. Notably, the 2023 iteration resulted in the creation of 14 impactful climate policy papers.
Day One saw 14 participants convene in Fayoum for an introductory session led by trainer Donia El Saaed. The session delved into "Regional Environmental Challenges in Africa," highlighting Africa's unique biodiversity and the threats it faces.
Engaging Activities and Group Work
Participants were divided into teams, each representing a region of Africa. Through research and presentations, they explored the diverse ecosystems and economic contributions of their assigned regions. This activity showcased the continent's rich biodiversity, from North Africa's coastal herbs to Central Africa's carbon-absorbing savannas.
The economic value of biodiversity was further emphasized, with discussions on industries like fisheries and tourism. Participants also analyzed the impact of land loss, climate change, and biodiversity loss on various sectors.
