“We started out as a small group with a simple dream: to protect the environment and empower young people.”
With these words, Ahmed Fathy, Director of Youth Love Egypt Foundation, recalls the very first moment when the initiative was launched back in 2011. Just a year later, it grew into an officially registered organization under Egypt’s Ministry of Social Solidarity — and today, it stands as one of the country’s and the region’s leading independent environmental organizations.
For over 14 years, the foundation has steadily strengthened its local and regional presence, earning several key international recognitions. Notably, it holds observer status under the UNCCD (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification), the Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Mediterranean Sea, and the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). It also serves as Egypt’s official representative in the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.
Initiatives to Preserve Marine Ecosystems
The foundation has launched several initiatives aimed at conserving and developing marine ecosystems, the most notable being the “Plastic-Free Red Sea” initiative in 2017. This effort paid off just two years later when the Governor of the Red Sea issued an official decree in 2019 to completely ban single-use plastics in the governorate.
Building on that success, the organization rolled out further campaigns — such as the “Clean Shores” initiative, which has covered the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Nile River — all with the goal of reducing plastic pollution, according to Ahmed Fathy, the foundation’s Director.
Youth Love Egypt’s Priorities
Fathy stresses that empowering young people and engaging them in the global environmental movement has always been a core priority for the foundation. “Since COP25 in Madrid and up until today, our youth have consistently participated in international climate conferences — not just as attendees, but as active voices helping shape policy discussions and recommendations,” he says.
Youth Love Egypt runs various training programs, awareness camps, and capacity-building workshops to equip young people with skills in environmental and climate issues. The foundation also works to connect them with global initiatives, funding opportunities, and practical experience.
Working with the Egyptian Parliament
As part of its commitment to influencing environmental policy, the foundation has collaborated with the Egyptian Parliament to draft and advocate for key legislation. These include laws to curb single-use plastics, initiatives to regulate voluntary carbon markets, and proposals to update existing environmental regulations. The organization’s efforts have helped draw attention to the need for a modern legislative framework that supports sustainability and addresses today’s environmental challenges.
Fathy also highlights that the marine environment in the Arab region faces multiple challenges — notably the lack of environmental content in Arabic, insufficient youth training to participate in global initiatives, and the funding crisis affecting climate and conservation work worldwide.
Future Plans
Youth Love Egypt Foundation continues to focus on empowering young people and strengthening their ability to tackle the challenges of climate change. According to Fathy, the organization is committed to turning the principles of sustainability into practical tools that can improve livelihoods and generate sustainable income for communities.
