Nairobi, Kenya – September 6, 2025 – Ms. Donia Elkhateeb, Programs Director at the Youth Love Egypt (YLE) Foundation, successfully participated in the Youth Adaptation Academy 2025, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 30 to September 6 , organized by Global Center on Adaptation with University of Nairobi and Hosted by Kenya School of Government. The Academy gathered over 50 young leaders from across Africa and four continents to strengthen youth voices and leadership in advancing climate adaptation.
As the in-country focal point of the Youth Adaptation Network for Egypt, Ms. Elkhateeb took part in this intensive program as a preparation step for her role in representing Egyptian youth within the continental adaptation framework.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in specialized modules on adaptation principles, adaptation finance, leadership, conflict management, and project management. Ms. Elkhateeb also delivered a presentation on Egypt’s national climate policies, highlighting landmark initiatives such as the Benban Solar Park, one of the world’s largest solar farms, and the launch of Africa’s first voluntary carbon market initiated in Egypt.
A key moment of her participation was her intervention during a session with Professor Patrick Verkooijen, CEO of the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA), where she voiced the perspectives of North African youth. Her contribution centered on climate literacy, climate education, and the challenges facing youth participation in climate action across the region.
The Academy concluded with the 5th Pan-African Youth Adaptation Forum, where Ms. Elkhateeb joined her peers in exchanging best practices and showcasing youth-led adaptation solutions. The Forum brought together high-level officials and partners, including Professor Patrick Verkooijen, GCA President and CEO; Professor Nura Mohamed, Director General of the Kenya School of Government; Mr. Hans Olav Ibekk, Special Envoy for Climate and Security, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Dr. Ana Maria Loboguerrero, Director for Adaptive and Equitable Food Systems at the Gates Foundation.
Her participation underscores the organization's ongoing commitment to empowering youth as active agents of change in addressing climate challenges, not only nationally but across the African continent.
