5:26 am - February 14, 2026
Masdar’s Youth 4 Sustainability launches Beyond Borders, a pioneering programme that takes future energy leaders beyond traditional classrooms into real-world projects across Malaysia, fostering practical skills and international collaboration for a sustainable future.
Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), Masdar’s global effort focused on empowering future leaders in the sustainability arena, has introduced its newest program called Beyond Borders. This international project aims to take sustainability education out of the traditional classroom setting, involving young changemakers in real-world energy challenges through practical experience, cross-cultural teamwork, and leadership development that’s innovative and forward-thinking.
The very first session was held in Malaysia, bringing together ten Future Sustainability Leaders from various countries—such as the UAE, Malaysia, Germany, Egypt, Algeria, Yemen, and India. Over five intensive days, participants took part in workshops, field visits, and digital storytelling activities, all designed to offer hands-on learning. The goal was to craft impactful narratives that connect community needs, technology, and policy frameworks, making the learning meaningful and application-oriented.
This pioneering program really emphasizes Y4S’s main mission: preparing young people with future-proof skills needed to push forward global energy transformation. Zainab Al Ali, Masdar’s Director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations, referred to Beyond Borders Malaysia as “setting a new standard for Y4S in delivering impact at scale.” Her words reinforced how this platform helps youth influence policy, spark innovation, and lead energy changes around the world.
A particularly notable part of the visit was a site tour and discussion at Tenaga Nasional Berhad, which is Malaysia’s biggest utility provider. The participants explored infrastructure facilities and talked with key energy stakeholders to get insights into Malaysia’s national power system and strategies to increase renewable energy use. They also spent time at Universiti Tenaga Nasional, the top energy university in the country, where they took part in interactive sessions focused on creating inclusive energy systems. Through innovation labs, design challenges, and case studies, they explored ways to link local realities with larger global sustainability objectives.
The program wrapped up with a youth showcase, where participants displayed their collaborative projects and practical solutions addressing local energy issues. This event highlighted how young people are increasingly recognized as critical agents of change in the global energy scene. Narmeen Almarzooqi, a Future Sustainability Leader who participated, shared: “Experiencing Malaysia’s energy landscape firsthand really deepened my passion for sustainability. Beyond Borders proves how hands-on learning and working across cultures give youth the tools to help lead global energy transformation.”
Even after the five days, the impact of the program is expected to grow, as participants head back to their home countries to implement their new knowledge and networks in ongoing sustainability projects and innovations. Y4S’s collaboration with academic institutions and industry leaders in Southeast Asia is also strengthening partnerships, paving the way for future editions of Beyond Borders in different regions.
Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi, is a leader in renewable energy technology worldwide. Its portfolio includes solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage, and green hydrogen projects, all driving the transition toward net-zero emissions. Since its start in 2006, Masdar has developed over 51 gigawatts of capacity across more than 40 countries. The company also aims to reach 100 GW of renewable capacity and become a major producer of green hydrogen by 2030.
This Beyond Borders program ties in with Masdar’s broader goal of nurturing youth leadership and fostering innovation in climate tech, both within the UAE and on a global scale. Its diverse group of participants, combining technical skills, policy understanding, and storytelling, reflects the integrated approach needed to tackle complex energy and sustainability challenges today.
As the global energy scene keeps changing quickly, initiatives like Beyond Borders show an important shift—one that focuses on empowering the next generation with practical skills, international perspectives, and the shared goal of creating a fair, sustainable energy future. The success of the program also underscores the growing importance of collaboration across borders and engaging local communities in energy transition efforts. By continuing investments in youth development and capacity building, Masdar and Youth 4 Sustainability are helping develop a strong pipeline of leaders ready to advance climate solutions not just in the Middle East, but worldwide.
Source: Noah Wire Services
