UAE Sustainability Fellowship Graduates Third Cohort of Future Sustainability Leaders

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: The UAE Sustainability Fellowship has celebrated the graduation of its third cohort, with 32 professionals from the public and private sectors completing an intensive leadership programme designed to prepare a new generation of sustainability leaders and drive positive impact across the country.

The graduation ceremony was attended by UAE Minister of State for Government Development and the Future Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi.

The Fellowship is supported by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) as strategic partners through the Chief Sustainability Officers Network, in collaboration with the Posterity Institute. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening sustainability leadership and developing national capabilities.

Addressing the ceremony, Al Roumi said the Fellowship reflects the UAE Government’s commitment to investing in national talent and equipping future leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools required to shape a sustainable future.

She noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s people-centred vision focused on delivering quality outcomes and preparing future generations. According to Al Roumi, building a new generation of sustainability leaders remains a national priority to create lasting positive impact across society and secure a better future for generations to come.

She added that the Fellowship has evolved into an important platform for developing future skills, strengthening capabilities and empowering Emirati talent to lead meaningful change in sustainability.

The programme’s third cohort adopted a comprehensive approach to sustainability by examining the interconnection between industry, society, technology and people. Participants explored themes including resilient industries and communities, translating vision into action, technological innovation, artificial intelligence, community leadership and systems thinking to address complex sustainability challenges.

Secretary-General of the Chief Sustainability Officers Network and Managing Director of the Posterity Institute, Dr. Yasar Jarrar, said sustainability should be measured by the real impact it creates in people’s lives rather than the number of initiatives undertaken. He praised participants for focusing on tangible outcomes and meaningful change.

Programme discussions emphasized sustainability’s role in creating employment opportunities, strengthening communities, protecting water resources, safeguarding the environment and improving public health and quality of life, enabling participants to view sustainability through the lens of measurable impact.

CSO Network Manager Dr. Elham Chehaimi said sustainability fundamentally remains centred on people, noting that issues such as water security, employment and social wellbeing are integral to achieving sustainable development.

For the first time, Emirates Global Aluminium joined ADNOC as a strategic partner of the Fellowship, reflecting a shared commitment to accelerating the country’s sustainability transition through cooperation between the public and private sectors. The partnership also reinforces efforts to develop Emirati talent and enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.

ADNOC Group Chief Sustainability Officer and Chairman of the Chief Sustainability Officers Network, Ibrahim Al Zubi, said sustainability remains central to the company’s strategy of delivering energy responsibly while creating long-term value for society. He said the Fellowship supports the development of future leaders capable of making a lasting contribution to the UAE’s sustainability agenda.

Chief ESG and Sustainability Officer at Emirates Global Aluminium, Najeeba Al Jabri, highlighted the strategic importance of sustainability in heavy industry, describing it as a key driver of resilience, competitiveness and long-term value creation.

The UAE Sustainability Fellowship is a flagship initiative led by the Government Development and the Future Office in partnership with the Posterity Institute and the Chief Sustainability Officers Network. It brings together promising professionals from across the public and private sectors to build a national network of sustainability leaders capable of advancing the UAE’s long-term sustainable development objectives