Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme 2025 for the Employability Program in the Hospitality Sector by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA).
The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
Founded in 2006 in Cairo, the Youth and Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah is one of Egypt’s leading non-profit organisations dedicated to youth empowerment and social equity. In Arabic, Etijah means ‘direction,’ a concept that reflects the mission to build an inclusive society where all individuals, particularly young people and women, can actively participate in Egypt’s social, economic, and environmental development.
“The entire team at Etijah is truly honoured to receive this wonderful recognition as the designers and implementers of the World’s Leading Sustainable Education and Training Programme for 2025. We would like to thank the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards for providing such an important space for non-profit organisations from the Global South to share the exciting and vital work we are doing,” said Elizabeth Pearson, Program Analyst, Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah.
“Etijah’s work is guided by a simple belief: when we invest in young people and empower communities with knowledge and practical skills, we create long term social and economic progress for all. We place particular focus on ensuring that this progress reaches those most in need, including women, refugees, and persons with disabilities, empowering them to access meaningful education and employment opportunities.”
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. Its programmes span education and training, livelihoods and economic empowerment, health and women’s empowerment, humanitarian protection, sports for development, and climate action, reaching more than 80,000 people across all 27 governorates of Egypt in 2024. Etijah continues to redefine what development looks like in practice, blending local knowledge with innovation to create opportunities that last.
WSTHA is run in partnership with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, whose partners and members represent over 66,000 hotels, eight million rooms globally, 300 brands, and over 100 supply chain and strategic partners.
Glenn Mandziuk, President & Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, said: “We extend our congratulations to Etijah on being honoured. This achievement reflects an outstanding commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leadership in sustainable hospitality. At the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, we are proud to recognise organisations 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 Hospitality future.”
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President of the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, said: “Our organisation is dedicated to celebrating the individuals and companies setting new standards in protecting our planet for future generations – and Etijah is a truly deserving winner. It’s a privilege to recognise the organisation’s achievements at our second annual Gala Ceremony, and I wish the team continued success in the years ahead.”
