What being born and raised in the UAE taught this 15-year-old about education and sustainability

At 15 years old, Zahra-tul Jannah Ahmed Ajetunmobi has made a significant impact by sharing her insights on youth participation, education, and sustainability on a global scale. Born and raised in the UAE to a family with Nigerian roots, Ajetunmobi authored "The Journey So Far," a personal development book aimed at encouraging young people to develop confidence, positive habits, and self-belief.

She also established "The Zahra Ajet Book Club," which has over 2,000 registered young learners from 47 countries and centers on discussions about books, sustainability, personal development, ideas, and ethics.

Ajetunmobi's upbringing in the UAE has been pivotal in shaping her worldview and values. She appreciates the exposure to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities in the UAE, which has taught her to respect differing perspectives, be open-minded, and appreciate diversity. This environment also instilled in her the belief that she can be proud of her heritage while learning from various cultures around her.

From a young age, Ajetunmobi has displayed an interest in expressing her ideas, starting with imaginary talk shows with her teddy bear and later expanding to sustainable development and the impact of today's decisions on future generations. She recognized that young people have valuable ideas but were often overlooked in conversations about the future. Inspired by this realization, she began advocating for the inclusion of youth voices in shaping their own future.

Among the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Ajetunmobi prioritizes quality education, emphasizing that it is the foundation of every society. She believes that while the younger generation has access to abundant information, they must responsibly apply this knowledge. She points to challenges like hunger and access to education as areas where existing knowledge can be effectively utilized. For her, the best way to contribute to quality education is not merely to learn more, but to apply what they know.

Ajetunmobi acknowledges that the path ahead for young people will not be easy, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. Drawing inspiration from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's words, she reminds young people that difficulties make individuals and nations stronger. She cites the recent conflict and her experiences during the pandemic as opportunities to adapt, learn resilience, and grow.

Throughout her career, Ajetunmobi has taken her UAE upbringing and values to international stages, including the United Nations, COP28 in Dubai, and the Palace of Westminster in London. Despite her young age, she remains committed to sharing her ideas and contributing to societal conversations, believing that being young should not hinder her from making a difference.