Empowering the Future: ACWA Power Youth Council Pioneers New Era of Leadership
Envision a future where the youth of the global south are at the forefront of advancements in solar, wind, hydrogen and water technologies. ACWA Power is actively working to turn this vision into reality through the establishment of the ACWA Youth Leadership Council.
ACWA Power invests in youth and prepares the company’s next line of leaders through empowerment, foresight, and an impact-centered approach. This proactive strategy not only contributes to energy transition and water security goals but also equips the next generation to tackle the challenges of a changing world.
Investing in the New Era
ACWA Power ensures that youth play a critical role in driving a positive reality and shaping the world’s future. By fostering the next generation of leaders in the energy sector, the company blends corporate responsibility with advanced technology. It creates opportunities for youth while shaping the landscape of renewable energy in the global south and beyond.
“The youth are the driving force behind our nation’s progress. ACWA Power is dedicated to empowering youth and advancing sustainability. The company invests in young individuals’ potential, cultivating a diverse, skilled workforce capable of leading the energy transition. This workforce will address global challenges,” said Faisal Jadu, Chief People, Culture, and Communications Officer at ACWA Power. “ACWA Power fully endorses the vision of the countries we operate in, from Africa to the Middle East, Asia, and China. We are committed to empowering our diverse youth, enabling them to reach their full potential and emerge as future leaders.”
In recognition of the critical importance of continuous learning, ACWA Power collaborates with Shirin College in Uzbekistan to offer various training programs. We’re committed to training 120 students in a specialised Wind Programme by 2026 at the Shirin College in Uzbekistan.
The Energy and Water Academy (EWA) that stands as our flagship programme, having trained over 15,000 individuals to date. This academy equips youth with the essential skills needed for successful careers in the power and water industries.
Empowering Future Leaders
ACWA Power has established a Youth Council consisting of 9 members, playing a key role in advising the company’s management. This council guides the intergenerational agenda, shaping the company’s future through valuable input and strategic direction. It serves as a platform for young professionals to voice ideas, execute initiatives, and cultivate innovation. The council creates a culture focused on purpose, commitment, and fulfillment, with a key emphasis on youth inclusion in decision-making. This inclusion helps drive the organization’s strategic direction and fosters a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
“ACWA Youth have the confidence and platform to formalize their interests, driven by their ideas, and lead the company. They are positioned as the company’s thought leaders, with diverse views amplified across the organization and externally. As Chairwoman of the Youth Leadership Council, I’m proud of our work in creating an empowering environment,” said Sarah Al Harthey, Executive Manager of Business Development & Investment in Saudi Arabia and China. “The Youth Leadership Council’s establishment demonstrates our commitment to this vision. This initiative gives emerging professionals a platform to engage in strategic decision-making, hone leadership skills, and drive impactful projects.”
“By facilitating direct engagement, we ensure that youth perspectives value and shape the company’s future direction,” she added. “We invest in youth to lead and influence the creation of company policies for an inclusive culture.”
Celebrating Youth Attitudes and Aspirations
The absence of robust youth development programs hinders economic growth, stifles innovation, and perpetuates social inequality. Investments in such initiatives allow ACWA Power to involve youth directly in the national energy transition, retaining local talent and fostering a thriving economy.
Sohaib Alsafh, Executive Manager for Risk Management in Saudi Arabia and Council Member, said: “We are witnessing firsthand how young graduates bring impressive skills and experience that seamlessly integrate into our workstream.” “Their up-to-date technical know-how and in-depth understanding of industry operations make their transition into our team remarkably smooth,” he added.
An Even Brighter Future Awaits
Distinct phases will mark the evolution of the ACWA Power Youth Leadership Council. This year, we focus on establishing the council and its core initiatives. We aim to have a seat at the table as an important stakeholder. This involves defining the council’s structure, objectives, and Impact Model.
Latifa Ali, Manager of Renewables Technology in UAE and Council Member, stated, “We’re on the right path. We have championed initiatives such as climate change and sustainability awareness. We are increasing access to leadership training and promoting collaboration with other youth actors to encourage innovation. These efforts, along with our commitment to external skills development opportunities, underscore ACWA Power’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of energy leaders.”
It is important to highlight that in 2025, the Council will focus on implementing these plans and monitoring progress. Active engagement with stakeholders and effective execution of projects will be critical components of this phase.
In 2026, we will assess the impact of the council’s work and use those insights to plan future activities. This will help expand the council’s reach. Finally, the future vision centers on sustained growth, deeper integration within ACWA Power, and long-term contributions to the company and sustainable development goals.
