The 'Voices of Future Generations' initiative celebrated six years of empowering young voices through sustainable storytelling at an event held on the sidelines of the 18th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which concluded today in Dubai. Since its regional launch, the initiative has shown continuous year-on-year growth, publishing six anthologies featuring 131 stories that reflect the spirit of sustainability, imagination, and the aspirations of children across the region. The 2026 edition managed to expand the program's impact by adding the 'Hero Teacher' award, in recognition of teachers who played a pivotal role in nurturing young writers and developing the talents behind these stories. The celebration brought together students, teachers, and members of the literary and educational community to celebrate the initiative's ongoing growth and its impact across the region. The event was attended by Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Goodwill Ambassador for the 'Voices of Future Generations' initiative in the region, along with a number of officials, diplomats, and intellectuals. Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan said: 'The Voices of Future Generations anthologies, authored by children, offer a profound insight into how young people envision the future they wish to build, and the stories reflect the values that distinguish our society and remind us of the importance of partnership and shared responsibility. I have had the joy of witnessing the journey of the 'Voices of Future Generations' initiative over the past six years, from its inception to today, and seeing some of the first winners grow up to become responsible and active individuals in society.' Meanwhile, the CEO of the Emirates Literature Foundation, Ahlam Belooshi, said: 'The initiative is not just about enhancing writing skills; it is a journey of building self-confidence; this is clearly embodied when children take to the stage to express themselves and present their works with utmost sincerity and passion. Our focus is always on projects that instill in children a sense of agency and cultivate in them a spirit of responsibility for the future they are co-creating.' She added: 'As a mother, my children are always in my heart and mind with every initiative we launch; therefore, we place student competitions and educational programs at the core of the Foundation's support for children, teachers, and librarians.'
