A Diverse and Dynamic Applicant Pool
Academic Excellence: About 40.7% hold a Bachelor's degree, 37.8% have a Master's degree, and around 7.4% boast a PhD. Prominent disciplines include Computer Science, Business Management, Renewable Energy Engineering, environmental science, social sciences, and public policy—creating tremendous cross-pollination of ideas.
Intensive Training Program: Phase 1 Foundations
OML Values and Purpose
Fellows explored the ethos behind One Million Leaders, learning about collaboration, integrity, and vision while reflecting on their personal ikigai in serving society and the planet.
Sustainability Essentials
Comprehensive understanding of sustainability fundamentals, from climate science to social inequalities, including key megatrends like population growth, urbanization, and technological disruption.
Ethical Leadership
Focus on ethical and transformational leadership, emphasizing integrity, accountability, and respect. Fellows examined case studies and heard inspiring sessions from Peter David Pedersen and OML alumni.
Social Innovation & AI
Introduction to social entrepreneurship and AI integration as tools for good. Fellows brainstormed project ideas and received mentorship from entrepreneurs and tech experts.
Personal Wellbeing
Dedicated focus on personal growth, resilience, and mental health. Fellows learned stress management, work-life balance, mindfulness, and self-care techniques.
From Fellowship to Action: Phases 2 & 3
In-Country Sessions & Champion Training
Fellows organize sustainability workshops in their home countries, training local "champions"—young people who become part of the extended OML family. The goal is to collectively train over 1,000 regional champions, roughly 10 or more per fellow.
"Time for Action" - Community Projects
Together with trained champions, fellows identify pressing local challenges and develop community project initiatives. OML MENA will support at least 25 of these projects across the region with mentorship, seed funding, and resources.
Powered by Partnership
The generous backing of the Mitsubishi Corporation Foundation for EMEA has been cornerstone to our success. This partnership goes beyond funding—it's a relationship built on shared values and a common vision for empowering the next generation. Together, we're planting seeds of change in the fertile ground of Middle Eastern and North African youth passion and creativity.
Join the Movement
The story of Cohort 2025 is still being written, and its most exciting chapters are yet to come. Follow our journey, collaborate with us, and be part of building a million young leaders by 2030.