Within a short period, most countries in the Middle East have grown from being quaint fishing and pearl diving villages to becoming world-class centers of business, trade and finance. The increased sovereign wealth from the region's natural resources further accelerated socio-economic and infrastructure development. Subsequently, the region is benefiting from the development and growth of human capital, with one-third of the population between the ages of 15-29 years. This presents the region with an historic opportunity to build a lasting foundation for prosperity by harnessing the full potential of its aspiring, young population. These young minds are especially concerned with learning and developing concepts around conservation, sustainability and economic diversification from non-hydrocarbon sectors to secure their today and tomorrow. Innovative methods of teaching and industry interactions prove highly effective for the youth's inclusion in the region's development. Government initiatives such as the Masdar City, public-private partnerships like Middle East Center for Sustainable Development and corporate initiatives such as Siemens Student Award are some of the many exciting projects that the region is undertaking to move forward sustainably. The key to long-term engagement of these young and curious minds is to focus on a comprehensive economic and sustainable growth strategy that allows them to take on increasingly bigger roles. Companies like Siemens, are willing to take the initiative to build these young minds and develop their sustainability ideas. Today's youth are excited about contributing to their country's growth story with their world-class education and local know how. This is evident from the response received for the region's first-ever contest that seeks answers to one of the toughest questions of our times: "How do you build sustainable cities in the desert?"
