Global Sustainability Hub Involves the Youth to Empower Them with Sustainability and Ethical Leadership Knowledge
Global Sustainability Hub (GSHub) recently visited the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) in Dubai to educate students about ethical leadership and sustainability. This initiative aligns with GSHub’s mission to bridge gaps between regions, industries, and stakeholders, fostering partnerships for sustainability on a global scale.
At IMT, GSHub’s founders shared insights into sustainability practices and ethical leadership, highlighting the critical role of youth in shaping a sustainable future. With an audience of eager students, the event emphasized actionable steps young leaders can take to incorporate sustainability into their personal and professional lives.
The Story Behind GSHub: Where It All Began
For Siyyam Malik, the founder of Global Sustainability Hub, and his co-founder Praveen Manikkarassa, the passion for sustainability began in their childhood. Growing up in a small town in Oslo, Norway, called Bogerud, their journey started with an unusual experience.
As children cycling to soccer practice, they would often pass the Klemetsrud Waste-to-Energy plant. The plant emitted such a foul odor that the two friends would speed up their bikes to escape the smell as quickly as possible. But one day, curiosity overtook them.
They stopped their bikes and asked a worker standing outside about what was happening inside the plant. The worker explained how the facility converted the waste generated by the community into energy. For Siyyam and Praveen, this was a revelation. They were amazed at the idea that something so unpleasant—garbage—could be transformed into something valuable like energy.
That moment left a deep impression on both of them. It sparked a lifelong interest in sustainability and the dream of bringing Norwegian innovations and learnings to the other side of the world—the countries their parents came from. For Siyyam, this was Pakistan, and for Praveen, it was Sri Lanka. Their shared vision led them to create Global Sustainability Hub, a platform dedicated to fostering global sustainability through collaboration and education.
GSHub: A Global Platform for Sustainability Professionals
Since its inception, Global Sustainability Hub has grown into the largest sustainability community in the GCC region, with over 3,000 members across various platforms.
- Meetup.com: Over 750 members in the UAE, including sustainability professionals, entrepreneurs, founders, and students.
- Eventbrite: The largest sustainability community on Eventbrite, hosting free coffee meetups for professionals, green founders, green investors, and impact-driven business owners.
- WhatsApp: A growing community of over 400 members actively participating in discussions and initiatives.
- LinkedIn: A company page with 600 followers.
The hub is also active in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, organizing regular meetups and activities that engage the sustainability community in Scandinavia, making it a truly global platform.
One of GSHub’s most inspiring missions is to enable global collaboration. Under the Global Sustainability Hub, someone in Uganda with internet access can connect and collaborate with someone in Norway on shared sustainability goals. By breaking geographical barriers, GSHub empowers individuals and organizations to exchange ideas, share solutions, and work together to create a more sustainable world.
Driving Collaboration and Business Impact
GSHub’s work extends beyond community building. The organization aims to work closely with the government to support the UAE’s commitment to achieving net-zero targets. By aligning with national goals, GSHub is contributing to the UAE’s leadership in sustainability and climate action.
In addition, GSHub offers B2B advisory services for corporates, helping businesses incorporate sustainability into their operations and achieve measurable impact. The hub also runs a startup incubator for impact-driven founders, connecting them with impact investors who seek to support projects that balance profit and purpose. This ecosystem fosters innovation while ensuring that sustainability initiatives are scalable and financially viable.
Influential Members and Partners
GSHub is proud to have many sustainability leaders in the UAE within its community. These professionals actively participate in GSHub’s initiatives and are working hard to push the boundaries of the sustainability landscape in the UAE and beyond. Their dedication underscores the growing momentum in the region for creating impactful change.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The recent visit to IMT Dubai is just one example of GSHub’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of sustainability leaders. Through events like these, GSHub empowers youth with the knowledge and tools to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Looking Ahead
With its global reach and impactful initiatives, Global Sustainability Hub is on a mission to spread awareness and foster collaboration. By connecting people, ideas, and resources, GSHub is not just building a community—it’s creating a movement for sustainability that transcends borders.
For more information, visit www.globalsustainabilityhub.org.
Founder Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/siyyam-a-malik-0aab9125b
GSHub Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-sustainability-hub/
