Volunteers for a Sustainable Jordan
Young people from across Jordan speak about what drives their volunteering and climate action.
Jordan is facing serious environmental challenges like rising temperatures, water shortages, and damage to land and wildlife. Tackling these issues is essential for the country’s future—and young people have a key role to play in finding solutions.
Such environmental challenges demand innovative, youth-led approaches to ensure sustainable and locally relevant climate adaptation. This is why Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and UNICEF’s Generation Unlimited (GenU) have come together in a partnership aiming to empower youth in Jordan, like Lujain, Shorouq, Mahdi and Mariam. These youth and many others will drive environmental action, help their communities to access sustainable livelihoods, and strengthen their local economies through green skills development, community greening, job placements, and entrepreneurship.
Listen to them speak about what drives their volunteering and climate action.
“The reason why I have committed to working for the environment is the fact that I am saddened by the desertification affecting my governorate Ma’an in the south of Jordan. Although the city is large, only a tiny fraction of the space here is green, and with water resources only declining, the problem is getting worse. That is why I want to make a positive impact in my community.” - Lujain, 21.
“I’m from Ajloun, one of the greenest areas in Jordan—often called the kingdom’s lungs. But every year, with less rainfall, we’re losing more of that greenery. Seeing this change makes me feel responsible, and I’m motivated to take action by joining climate initiatives like this one.” - Shorouq, 26.
"I’ve always been concerned about how we treat our planet. In my hometown of Zarqa, pollution is a big problem—the air is filled with factory smoke, and trash is piling up everywhere. It’s frustrating to see, but I believe it’s up to us, the youth, to lead the change and help create a cleaner, healthier future for ourselves and the next generation." - Mahdi, 22.
“When I was a child, my dad used to take us to the beach for picnics. I remember feeling upset seeing trash left behind by people. As I got older, I realized it wasn’t just messy—it was also harmful to the ocean and the animals living in it.
“Now, one of the things I enjoy most is volunteering for beach cleanups. It feels good to know that picking up even a small piece of plastic could help protect sea life and keep the beach beautiful." - Mariam, 22.
The Green Visions and Thriving Futures programme, generously supported by the Education Above All foundation, will help 160,000 young people in Jordan take action to protect nature, reduce waste, and save water. Additionally, around 40,000 of them will get special training in climate action.
