Qatar- New programme to nurture eco leaders

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) A new leadership programme has been launched by a Qatar Foundation member and a youth-led environmental association to foster a group of eco ambassadors, whose mission will be to help create long-lasting sustainable change within their communities - and beyond. 
The first-of-its-kind in the country, the initiative titled The Environmental Ambassadors of Qatar will see 15-20 specially selected individuals take part in a year-long training programme delivered by Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC) and the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar (AYCM). 
'Over the last few months, the sustainability movement has accelerated, said Shireen Obeidat, events and marketing specialist, QGBC. 'So now is an excellent time to support and develop leaders who will help promote sustainability and take environmental action.
'Ultimately, the youth are the present and future of Qatar, and as the biggest sector within the local population it is extremely important to teach them and to equip them with the knowledge and skills so they can connect with their peers and networks and create a positive impact. 
Over the course of the 12-month programme, participants will cover topics such as climate change, air pollution, plastic pollution, terrestrial biodiversity, marine biodiversity, food chains, sustainability in nature and human communities, and environmental conservation. Workshops and training sessions will also see members learn how to communicate through social media, interviews, lectures, and blogs and become effective leaders. 
Once the campaign is complete, the eco ambassadors will begin creating and widening their own networks, with the support of QBGC and AYCM, to help raise awareness, reach wider audiences, and spark environmental change. 
'QGBC has been working for 10 years, and in that time we have impacted many different groups, industries, and sectors, but we believe that there are still more people who have not been reached, said Obeidat. 'These ambassadors will be our voice to highlight the importance of sustainability and environmental action, and drive change across different audiences.
'Eventually, these eco leaders once they have graduated from the programme will be given the opportunity to represent QGBC and AYCMQ at events and international conferences, and take the lead in national campaigns such as Qatar Sustainability Week.   
The programme is open to Qatari nationals and Qatar residents aged 18-35 years. Participants should be passionate about sustainability, and demonstrate enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Those selected will be expected to commit at least 10 -15 hours a month to the programme. The deadline to apply is July 4, with the initiative set to start in August 2020.

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