Etijah claims ‘world’s leading sustainable education and training program’ | News
Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah has been recognized by voters on election day with the title of ‘World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Program 2025’ for the Employability Program in the Hospitality Sector. World Awards for Sustainable Travel and Hospitality.
Founded in 2006 in Cairo, the Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah is one of Egypt’s leading non-profit organizations dedicated to youth empowerment and social equality. Etijah is Arabic for ‘direction’, a concept that reflects the mission to build an inclusive society in which all individuals, especially youth and women, can actively participate in Egypt’s social, economic and environmental development.
The award was unveiled in front of hundreds of global sustainable tourism leaders gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognized the individuals and organizations accelerating change in net positive tourism.
Elizabeth Pearson, Program Analyst, Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah, said: “The entire team at Etijah is truly honored to receive this wonderful recognition as designers and implementers of the world’s leading sustainable education and training program for 2025. We would like to thank the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards for providing such an important space for global non-profits to share the exciting and vital work we do.”
“Etijah’s work is guided by a simple belief: when we invest in young people and equip communities with knowledge and practical skills, we create long-term social and economic progress for all. We place particular emphasis on ensuring that this progress reaches those most in need, including women, refugees and persons with disabilities, and enables them to access meaningful education and employment.”
Guided by the principles of asset-based community development, community youth development and participatory approaches, Etijah works to transform young people from beneficiaries into changemakers. The programs include education and training, livelihoods and economic empowerment, healthcare and women’s empowerment, humanitarian protection, sport for development and climate action, reaching more than 80,000 people in all 27 governorates of Egypt by 2024. Etijah continues to redefine what development looks like in practice, combining local knowledge with innovation to create sustainable opportunities.
The awards program is run in collaboration with the World Alliance for Sustainable Hospitalitywhose partners and members represent more than 66,000 hotels, eight million rooms worldwide, 300 brands and more than 100 supply chain and strategic partners.
Glenn Mandziuk, President & Chief Executive Officer of World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “We congratulate Etijah on this award. This achievement reflects an outstanding commitment to innovation, collaboration and leadership in sustainable hospitality. At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are proud to recognize organizations that are not only redefining excellence in guest experience, but also demonstrating that responsible business practices and sustainability are essential to the future of our industry – a net positive future for hospitality.”
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice President of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “Our organization is committed to celebrating the individuals and companies who are setting new standards in protecting our planet for future generations – and Etijah is a deserving winner. It is a privilege to recognize the organisation’s achievements at our second annual Gala Ceremony, and I wish the team much success in the years to come.”
Read more about Etijah and the other organizations redefining responsible travel in the special sustainability issue of Best in Travel. https://www.bestintravelmagazine.com/magazine/issue-149/
