One Million Leaders
Middle East & North Africa
Welcome to OML MENA, a unique platform that aims to connect, inspire, and empower one million young sustainability leaders in the in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by 2030. We offer a distinctive Fellowship and Networking model to equip and support these leaders in driving sustainable initiatives and making a lasting impact. Our vision is to drive positive change in MENA communities, fostering
sustainability.
circularity.
environmental consciousness.
We believe in the power of young leaders to transform the region and make their voices heard on the global stage. Join us on this exciting journey and be part of the sustainable future we envision for MENA.
What Makes OML-MENA Unique?
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Empowering Arabic Young Leaders: OML-MENA gives Arabic young leaders a powerful voice in the sustainability world. We provide training and skills development to enable them to take ownership of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Respecting Heritage and Fostering Innovation: OML-MENA combines respect for traditional values and a heritage-based approach to sustainability with a focus on innovation and creativity. We draw inspiration from local Arabic wisdom and integrate it into forward-thinking solutions for tomorrow's challenges.
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Promoting Environmental, Cultural, and Social Identity: We believe in the importance of expressing environmental, cultural, and social identity pride within local communities. OML-MENA supports young Arabs in embracing their unique heritage while driving sustainability initiatives.
OML-MENA is a regional program of the OML Global Fellowship Programs by NELIS (Next Leaders’ Initiative for Sustainability). NELIS is a non-profit organization that has been working since 2015 to Connect, Inspire, and Empower a new generation of sustainability leaders from all walks of life across the globe.
NELIS has local chapters in several countries, including Liberia, Nigeria, Uganda, Singapore, Colombia, Finland, and Nepal. Our main focus is on young leaders in their 20s and 30s who are actively involved in designing and implementing sustainable projects. NELIS is currently led by a team of 30 specialists based in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Our Vision
Our vision is to empower One Million Leaders in MENA by 2030. These leaders will drive positive change in MENA communities, fostering green practices, circular economies, and sustainable development. Together, we can transform MENA for the better.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower and support skilled and committed young Arab leaders who are dedicated to making MENA and the world a better place. We believe in promoting youth entrepreneurship and taking sustainability into our own hands. By emphasizing the independence and values of Arabic communities, we aim to bring about positive change in the sustainability landscape.
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The OML Fellowship Program
The OML MENA Fellowship Program aims to recruit young talents from the MENA region on an annual basis. Fellows participate in a nine-month training program that covers various topics such as Leadership, Sustainability, Social Innovation, and Social Entrepreneurship. Beyond their training, fellows have the opportunity to share their knowledge and mentor younger community peers, known as “Pioneers,” who are eager to engage in community-based projects.
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If you have any questions, comments, or simply want to say hello, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. We are here to assist you.