The TOYOTA Youth Achievement Awards 2024, powered by CP Magazine, was a grand celebration of the exceptional talents, dedication, and accomplishments of Kuwait’s youth. Held on September 24th at the Al-Sayer Multipurpose Hall, this prestigious event highlighted the extraordinary potential of young individuals who are making a significant impact in their respective fields.
A Campaign That Inspired the Nation
The journey of the 2024 Youth Achievement Awards began on June 2nd with the activation of a campaign that encouraged Kuwaiti youth to showcase their achievements. The nomination window, which ran until July 10th, attracted over 100 submissions from young individuals excelling in various fields, including sports, environmental activism, science, technology, and the arts.
After a meticulous evaluation process, involving rigorous background checks and a distinguished panel of judges, the 10 winners for 2024 were selected. Their inspiring stories embody the values of innovation, leadership, and community service.
The Grand Finale
The final event was a spectacular occasion, bringing together winners, their families, prominent societal figures, and media personalities. Guests were warmly welcomed to an evening of inspiration and celebration.
The event began with heartfelt speeches by Mr. Martin Aherne, Senior Business Director of Toyota Group Sales, and Mr. Bader Faisal Al-Sayer, Senior Marketing Manager. Both emphasized the importance of empowering youth and fostering excellence, highlighting TOYOTA Al-Sayer’s commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.
Following the speeches, Mr. Aherne and Mr. Al-Sayer presented the awards to each winner. The winners were called on stage to receive their accolades, which included a trophy, certificate, and a special gift from TOYOTA.
Meet the 2024 Winners
1. Abdulaziz Zaid Al-Houti
A trailblazer in endurance sports, Abdulaziz boasts an impressive record in Spartan and marathon events. His achievements include a 1st place in the Spartan Salalah AG Super X22 (2022-2023), multiple 2nd place finishes in Gulf and UK marathons, and a 3rd place finish at the Flying Start Triathlon Race. Abdulaziz’s unwavering commitment to fitness and perseverance sets him apart as an inspiring figure in sports.
2. Abdullah Hamoud Al-Ghareeb
Abdullah’s contributions to sustainable development and education have been profound. A Third Place Winner in the Kuwaiti-Arab Youth Forum Award for Sustainable Development (2023), he has trained over 2,000 students at PAAET and was honored at the Kuwaiti Youth Forum for Creativity and Innovation. Abdullah’s vision for empowering youth through education has made him a transformative force in his field.
3. Hawraa Hani Shaban Mirza
As a young achiever, Hawraa has broken barriers in education and leadership. She achieved first place and 100% in the world in the Industrial Applications Competition (2021) and was the only Kuwaiti student to win the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Distinguished Academic Performance (2023). Hawraa also represented Kuwait at the World Summit of Governments, showcasing her exceptional talents on a global stage.
4. Kawthar Yousef Naserallah
A rising star in science and technology, Kawthar has been recognized for her innovative projects. She won 1st place in the Kuwait Science and Technology Competition and was a 2nd place winner at the Egypt International Science and Technology Fair. Her success in the SeaPerch competition highlights her dedication to advancing STEM education and innovation.
5. Khaled AbdulKareem Q. Hashim Yousef
A champion fencer, Khaled has clinched six gold medals in Kuwait’s national fencing league and achieved top honors in regional and GCC championships. Beyond his achievements, he has established the Haus of Fencing, a pioneering academy in Kuwait, nurturing the next generation of athletes in the sport.
6. Mariam Al-Saad
Mariam is a passionate advocate for climate action and sustainability. She became the first Kuwaiti member of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change and represents Kuwait in international organizations like UNESCO Youth Climate Action Network. Through her training sessions, Mariam has educated over 1,000 students on sustainability, positioning herself as a leading voice in environmental advocacy.
7. Mohammad N. Al-Shaban
A determined athlete, Mohammad has excelled in regional endurance events, earning 2nd place in Saudi Arabia’s 5km run and 1st place in the Liwa race in the UAE’s Empty Quarter desert. His relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to sportsmanship exemplify his inspiring journey.
8. Mohammed Bassam Al-Hajeri
Balancing academics and sports, Mohammed is a two-time National Champion in Powerlifting in Kuwait and secured 2nd place in the Asian Championships (2022). Currently studying medicine, he is a role model for young individuals striving to achieve excellence in multiple fields.
9. Munera Barak Al-Rubabah
A basketball sensation, Munera’s accolades include a gold medal in the NBK Youth Basketball Tournament (2019) and top scorer honors in multiple leagues. Her achievements in local and international tournaments, including the FIBA 3-on-3 tournament in Bahrain, highlight her dedication to sports and teamwork.
10. Noura Al-Fadhli
As Kuwait’s first Intersectional Environmentalist, Noura is a pioneer in household recycling through her Precious Plastics initiative. She was selected as one of the Young Women Leaders of the GCC (2019) and currently leads the Environment Department at Al-Saie Volunteer Team, showcasing her unwavering commitment to sustainability.
A Night to Remember
The TOYOTA Youth Achievement Awards 2024 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of the extraordinary achievements of young leaders who are shaping a brighter future for Kuwait. Guests enjoyed a memorable evening, culminating in a delightful dinner and opportunities to network. Media interviews captured the inspiring journeys of the winners, further amplifying their stories of perseverance and success.
The event underscored TOYOTA Al-Sayer’s dedication to fostering innovation, excellence, and community impact. Here’s to the incredible achievers of 2024 and the anticipation of even greater accomplishments in the years to come!
