- Graduates selected from 800 applicants conclude an intensive sustainability training program by PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation.
- Students came from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- The University of California, Berkeley and other prestigious institutions led the professional development courses.
Sixty students from six Arab countries have completed PepsiCo and the PepsiCo Foundation’s Youth Impact Studio (YIS), a flagship program aimed at nurturing a new generation of sustainability leaders across the Middle East and North Africa.
Selected from more than 800 applicants, the students, from Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, completed an intensive training program focused on sustainable development and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Courses were delivered in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley, and other global institutions.
The graduates were honored in a series of events held across the six participating countries, culminating in a final ceremony in Jordan. Each event featured panel discussions with sustainability leaders and recognized the achievements of the students.
“As a company deeply rooted in the region, we believe in the power of young people to shape a better future,” said Wael Ismail, Vice President of MENAPAK & International Beverages at PepsiCo. “We are inspired by the determination and fresh ideas of the participants. It pushes us to keep doing more to support and empower youth.”
The YIS program provides students with access to global experts, workshops on climate action, AI and innovation for sustainability, and professional development courses leading to ESG certifications.
“As we work to help the next generation of leaders gain the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive, I am eager to see what our 60 trailblazing graduates will bring to their communities. We believe the training our students have undergone and the rich experiences they have gained will be invaluable in fueling innovation and impact,” said Hatim Khan, Senior Director of International Programs at the PepsiCo Foundation. “And the journey doesn’t end here as we will continue to support these leaders through mentorship and networking opportunities.
Anas, a graduate of the training program from Saudi Arabia, commented: “It’s not often you get to meet such a group of experts and trainers. We had insightful discussions, and I learnt a lot about bringing sustainability practices into my work. It was a truly enriching and unique experience that will help me to contribute positively to the future.”
Another graduate, Lobna from Egypt, said: “It felt inspiring to be surrounded by innovators. The atmosphere was energizing and highly motivating with trainers pushing us to think outside-the-box. The opportunity has been incredibly valuable, especially as the mentorship and guidance will continue. I’m ready to contribute and help build a better future for my region.”
About PepsiCo
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, and Quaker. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCoMiddleEast.
About the PepsiCo Foundation
The PepsiCo Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PepsiCo, invests in the essential elements of a sustainable food system with a mission to support thriving communities. Working with non-profits and experts around the globe, we're focused on helping communities obtain access to food security, safe water, and economic opportunity. We strive for tangible impact in the places where we live and work—collaborating with industry peers, local and international organizations, and our employees to affect large-scale change on the issues that matter to us and are of global importance. Learn more at www.pepsicofoundation.com.