UAE launches program to train 50 young content creators on water conservation and sustainability

In a move to strengthen youth engagement in sustainability, the UAE has launched the Blue Content Creators Program, an initiative aimed at training 50 citizens and residents to produce digital content raising awareness about water challenges and conservation.

Launched by the National Media Authority (NMA) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Youth Authority, and in collaboration with the New Media Academy, the program will equip young people with the skills to communicate water-related issues through digital storytelling.

The initiative comes as the UAE prepares to co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with Senegal in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. It aims to highlight the connections between water, health, food, energy, and development while encouraging greater public participation in sustainability efforts.

Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of involving younger generations in addressing water challenges.

“The decisions we make today about water will shape the world inherited by future generations. It is essential that young people’s voices and ideas help guide these decisions,” he said.

Balalaa added that the program would encourage young creators to bring fresh perspectives to global water discussions and help translate conversations at the upcoming conference into meaningful action.

Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the NMA, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s commitment to developing young media talent while strengthening public understanding of sustainability challenges.

He highlighted the role of digital content in promoting responsible water consumption and encouraging communities to participate in conservation efforts.

The program will feature three weeks of training in November, covering water-related issues, storytelling, video production, digital publishing strategies, and artificial intelligence tools. Participants will then use these skills to produce content related to the UN conference in December.

Khalid Al Nuaimi, Director of the Federal Youth Authority, said the initiative would help young people develop practical skills while contributing to national and global sustainability priorities.

Hussein Al Atoli, Director of the New Media Academy, also highlighted the importance of equipping content creators with the tools to turn complex environmental topics into accessible and engaging digital stories.