Context

Across the Middle East and North Africa, climate change is intensifying social and economic inequalities, straining fragile ecosystems, and exposing governance gaps. Droughts, floods, displacement, and energy insecurity are reshaping communities from the Nile to the Maghreb — yet the voices of young activists and local organizations remain underrepresented in global climate dialogues.

In 2025, the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) launched a region-wide online training on Climate Change Adaptation and Advocacy, with the generous support of Sweden.

The program reflects ARI’s commitment to advancing a just environmental transition in the MENA region by strengthening civic engagement and public awareness of climate and social justice.

Amid growing global urgency, the training offered youth organizations, feminist collectives, and grassroots activists the opportunity to develop the tools and confidence to influence national and international climate policies — and to connect their local realities to global climate frameworks.

Objectives

The training aimed to:

  • Deepen participants’ understanding of international climate negotiation mechanisms and principles of environmental justice.
  • Strengthen advocacy and communication skills for engaging with national, regional, and international institutions.
  • Equip youth organizations with practical tools to monitor government climate policies and hold decision-makers accountable.
  • Foster regional solidarity and cross-border collaboration among youth actors.
  • Create a sustainable community of practice across the MENA region.

Modules covered topics such as climate governance and finance, Loss and Damage mechanisms, advocacy with the EU and COP processes, adaptation strategies, data security and technology in activism, and just environmental transition.

Participants who demonstrated exceptional engagement will be later invited to join ARI’s delegation to COP 2025 in Brazil.

The training brought together youth advocates from 12 countries, including Somaliland, Sudan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen and Iraq.

Participants came from a range of backgrounds; Youth and Advocacy Networks such as YALAP, MYCP, Greengate, Volunteery, United People Global, EU Jeel Connect, the Arab Youth Advisory Group to UNDRR ROAS, and the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change.

Participant Voices

“This training was an exceptional deep dive into the mechanics of climate action. It brilliantly connected high-level international negotiations and finance to practical, on-the-ground advocacy tools we can immediately use. It has undoubtedly empowered me and my country of Somaliland to engage more effectively and strategically in the climate movement.”
— Abdirahman Yusuf – Somaliland

“Participating in the ARI training was both inspiring and empowering. It gave me the knowledge, tools, and confidence to link Sudan’s fragile realities to regional and global climate advocacy. Beyond skills, it created a space of solidarity and empathy, reminding me that even in times of conflict, youth can lead with courage and push together for a just and inclusive climate future.”
— Mohammed Fathelrahman Adam – Sudan

“This training was truly transformative; it gave us a practical roadmap to turn climate knowledge into advocacy that works. I feel inspired and equipped to design strategies that are actionable, context-specific, and capable of creating real impact in my country and in the MENA region.”
— Mariem Madhi – Tunisia

“Participating in the ARI training was a game-changer! It opened my eyes to new ways of advocating for climate action, gave me hands-on tools, and connected me with inspiring peers from across the region. I’m motivated and ready to turn these ideas into real impact.”
— Sirine Amri – Tunisia

“The Arab Reform Initiative Climate Change Adaptation and Advocacy training served as the perfect platform to connect with young climate advocates from across the region and deepen my understanding of the progress of our Arab countries in international climate policymaking. Most importantly, it supported me with practical tools to amplify my climate advocacy not just in Egypt, but across the Arab world. Ultimately, it has planted the perfect seed for cross-border cooperation among young people who wish to carve a better future for our region and the planet as a whole.”
— Nada Mohamed – Egypt

“The training empowered me with more practical tools and up-to-date regional insights to better contribute to climate action in my community, my country, and my region. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
— Talal Ahmed – Yemen

“From negotiations to finance, this training made climate advocacy tangible and inspiring.”
— Mohamed Hassan Elokl – Egypt

“I learned that while climate change is big, our power to adapt is even bigger.”
— Omnia Abubaker Abdulqader – Baghdad, Iraq

“The advocacy session was the spark of the training. As activists, we often feel burnt out when our voices go unheard. In this session, we discovered how to make sure our voices are truly heard and adopted.”
— Batoul Noureddine – Lebanon