Transforming a global mega-event into a living laboratory for youth-led sustainability solutions and corporate innovation.
The Concept
As the UAE works toward its Net Zero 2050 targets, engaging the next generation in the energy transition is paramount. Client TAQA enlisted Bon Education to design and deliver the TAQA NextGen Program to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industrial application. By leveraging COP28 UAE as a real-world research hub, the program empowered young professionals and students in the company’s Youth Circle to solve high-stakes challenges in branding, technology, and sustainable business, directly contributing to TAQA’s leadership in innovation and human capital development.
Industry
Energy / Sustainability / Utilities
Goal
Equipping Youth Circle members with the multidisciplinary skills required to navigate and contribute effectively to the discourse at COP28 UAE. Providing comprehensive training and a platform for participants to pitch innovative sustainable business ideas to TAQA.
Services
Programmatic Design and Delivery featuring on-the-ground Discovery Research, Expert Mentorship, and a Business Case Competition.
Impact
Participants reported a 100% increase in confidence regarding pitching business cases and global networking. Two youth-proposed ideas were taken in-house for further exploration.
The Opportunity
Developing meaningful youth engagement during a global summit like Conference of the Parties often stops at attendance. TAQA required a deeper, more rigorous intervention that would move participants beyond passive observation. The challenge was to design a structure where Youth Circle members could conduct primary research within the summit to address three critical corporate pillars: evolving TAQA into a "well-loved household brand," identifying disruptive technologies for SDG goals, and proposing viable pathways for carbon capture and Net Zero targets.
Our approach
Bon Education crafted a unique learning journey that turned the COP28 Green and Blue zones into a field-research environment. We designed three thematic challenges (Branding & Storytelling, Technology & Innovation, and Sustainable Business) to focus participant efforts.
The program structure integrated intensive workshops on ideation and pitching with behind-the-scenes support, culminating in a high-stakes competition. To ensure institutional value, we facilitated an adjudication process featuring senior TAQA executives and industry experts from across the country, validating the feasibility of the youth-led ideas.
The Results
Strategic Innovation
Two winning ideas were selected for future exploration by TAQA.
Measurable Skill Growth
Participants showed a marked increase in discovery research skills, business case development, and global networking capabilities.
Thought Leadership
Positioned TAQA as a premier developer of human capital, successfully engaging 28 participants across 6 multidisciplinary teams to solve real-world utility sector challenges.
More
Projects
Empowering Youth to Explore Critical Industries for the Future
Collaborating with regional governments and leading organizations to ensure a steady pipeline of talent for priority industries in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Bridging the Gap Between University and Employment
Supporting graduates in securing employment through workforce readiness training, career coaching, and industry experience projects.
Creating a Pipeline of Design Talent for the Region
Architecting the GCC’s largest high school design education program with the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation.
Delivering a World-Class Graduate Program
Designing and delivering a world-class decade-long program that transforms top global graduates into leaders and lifelong ambassadors for Dubai.
