Empowering Youth through Sustainable Education, Protection, and Rehabilitation Projects

UAE's Big Heart Foundation Champions Youth Empowerment as Key to Sustainable Development

The Big Heart Foundation, a Sharjah-based humanitarian organization, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment through comprehensive development programs spanning education, protection, and rehabilitation. With over 6 million lives impacted across 37 countries through 230+ projects, the foundation positions youth development as central to addressing global displacement and poverty challenges.

Beyond Crisis Response: Building Systematic Youth Support

Speaking ahead of International Youth Day on August 12, Alia Obaid Al Mesibi, Director of the Big Heart Foundation, emphasized that effective youth support requires moving beyond immediate needs to create integrated systems for growth and meaningful participation.

"We often talk about supporting youth and enhancing their leadership skills, but for many young people we work with, leadership wasn't a choice but a necessity born from crises," Al Mesibi stated. "Our mission is to remove obstacles they shouldn't have faced and work to change systems that hinder their development."

The UAE's Growing Role in Global Humanitarian Leadership

The foundation's approach reflects the UAE's broader strategy of positioning itself as a regional humanitarian hub. Under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, the organization exemplifies how Gulf states are increasingly taking leadership roles in global development initiatives.

This mirrors similar efforts by other Gulf nations, with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Qatar's National Vision 2030 also emphasizing youth development as cornerstones of sustainable growth. However, the Big Heart Foundation's focus on crisis-affected youth sets it apart in addressing one of the most vulnerable demographics globally.

Strategic Focus on Education and Mental Health

The foundation prioritizes education and mental health support in emergency situations, recognizing that genuine recovery requires providing tools for hope and stability rather than just immediate aid. This approach aligns with growing international recognition that psychological support is crucial for displaced populations, particularly young people who have experienced trauma.

Market Implications for Humanitarian Sector

The foundation's comprehensive approach represents a shift in humanitarian aid from reactive assistance to proactive development investment. This model is increasingly attractive to international donors and development banks seeking measurable, long-term impact rather than temporary relief.

For governments and international organizations, the Big Heart Foundation's work demonstrates how targeted youth investment can address multiple challenges simultaneously: reducing radicalization risks, improving economic prospects, and strengthening social stability in vulnerable regions.

Measuring Impact in an Era of Global Displacement

With global displacement reaching record levels—over 100 million people according to UNHCR—the foundation's work becomes increasingly relevant. Young people comprise more than half of the world's refugee population, making youth-focused interventions critical for both immediate humanitarian response and long-term regional stability.

The organization's emphasis on removing systemic barriers rather than just providing services suggests a more sophisticated understanding of development challenges. This approach could influence how other humanitarian organizations design their programs, potentially shifting industry standards toward more comprehensive, systems-based interventions.

Looking Forward: Scalability and Replication

The foundation's assertion that "every rebuilt school, every training program implemented, and every young voice given the opportunity to express itself represents a step toward a more inclusive and equitable future" reflects growing recognition that youth investment is fundamental to sustainable development.

As international development priorities increasingly focus on resilience and sustainability, the Big Heart Foundation's model may serve as a template for similar initiatives across the Middle East and beyond, particularly as climate change and conflict continue to drive displacement and create new challenges for young populations worldwide.