Empowering Future Leaders: Mahdi Yahya Inspires Participants of the Youth Leadership Program

Lebanon | Youth Leadership Program (YLP)

Investing in young people is one of the most effective ways to build resilient communities and create sustainable social change. Recognizing the critical role of youth in shaping the future, the Youth Leadership Program (YLP), supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has continued to provide young leaders with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed to become active contributors to their communities.

As part of the seventh edition of the program, participants had the opportunity to engage with Mahdi Yahya, Founder and Chairman of Peace of Art International, who joined the initiative to share his experiences in leadership, peacebuilding, community engagement, and social impact.

Addressing the participants, Yahya expressed his appreciation for the efforts invested in empowering youth and highlighted the importance of leadership that is rooted in responsibility, service, and active citizenship. Drawing from his experience leading Peace of Art International and working with young people across Lebanon and internationally, he encouraged participants to view challenges as opportunities for growth and innovation.

Throughout the session, Yahya emphasized that leadership extends beyond positions and titles. Instead, he described leadership as the ability to inspire others, create positive change, and contribute meaningfully to society. He encouraged participants to become active members of their communities and to develop initiatives that address local challenges through collaboration, creativity, and civic engagement.

A key focus of his remarks was the importance of community engagement in sustainable development. He stressed that young people possess the energy, creativity, and vision necessary to drive social progress and that their involvement in community life is essential for building inclusive and resilient societies. By participating in civic activities, volunteer initiatives, and community projects, youth can strengthen social cohesion while developing valuable leadership skills.

Yahya also highlighted the significance of capacity building as a foundation for long-term impact. He encouraged participants to continuously invest in their personal and professional development, emphasizing that education, training, and lifelong learning are crucial tools for achieving meaningful change. Through capacity building, young leaders can enhance their ability to design solutions, mobilize resources, and effectively advocate for their communities.

Mahdi Yayha

Human rights and active citizenship were additional themes discussed during the session. Participants explored the role that youth can play in promoting equality, inclusion, and respect for human dignity. Yahya noted that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring that individuals have opportunities to participate fully in social, economic, and civic life.

The discussion also focused on advocacy and social impact, encouraging participants to become agents of positive change. By identifying community needs and engaging in constructive dialogue, young leaders can contribute to addressing social challenges while fostering a culture of participation and accountability.

The Youth Leadership Program reflects broader efforts to strengthen youth engagement and support the development of future leaders capable of responding to complex social challenges. Through mentorship, training, and practical learning experiences, the program equips participants with the skills required to transform ideas into action and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.

For Mahdi Yahya, participation in the Youth Leadership Program aligns closely with the mission of Peace of Art International, which seeks to empower young people through education, dialogue, creativity, and leadership development. Throughout his work, Yahya has consistently advocated for providing youth with opportunities to participate in decision-making processes and become active stakeholders in shaping their societies.

The session concluded with an inspiring message to participants: meaningful change begins when individuals take responsibility for their communities and work collectively toward a shared vision of progress, inclusion, and peace. Through programs such as YLP, young leaders are equipped not only with skills and knowledge but also with the confidence and motivation needed to become catalysts for sustainable development and social transformation.