At the recent Youth Speak Forum at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, Green Impact Solutions’ Founder & CEO, Rim Abou Chahine, took the stage alongside Mian Asad of Green Crescent Environmental Engineering Consultants (GCEEC). The discussion, centered on UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), delved into entrepreneurship as a form of essential social infrastructure.
| Event | Youth Speak Forum (YSP) |
| Organizer | AIESEC in Abu Dhabi |
| Date | September 27–28, 2025 |
| Location | Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Category | Social Impact & SDGs |
The Resilience Blueprint: Networks Over Empires
Rim shared a powerful insight when asked how women-led businesses create stronger social networks. She compared it to the human body. “Think about the most resilient system you know. For me, it’s the human body; it’s designed to heal, adapt, and support itself.”
She explained that female leaders often prioritize connection and well-being over simple competition. This mindset is crucial. Instead of building isolated “empires,” these leaders often excel at collaborative leadership. They view competitors, suppliers, and customers as part of a wider community ecosystem. This approach creates stronger, more adaptable social networks.
A Practical Guide for Community-Embedded Business
The next question for the audience was practical: How can any new business bake this community focus into its DNA from day one?
Rim outlined a simple, three-step framework for the young entrepreneurs:
- Co-create the Idea: “Before you write a business plan, talk to people. Let the community’s specific needs shape your business idea first.”
- Design for Inclusion: “Make local hiring and sourcing a priority from day one. This keeps wealth and opportunity circulating within your community.”
- Build in a Feedback Loop: “Create a simple, ongoing way to listen,” such as a community advisory board. This ensures the business remains relevant and responsive.
This approach ensures a business is not just in a community, but a vital, responsive part of it.
The Path Forward
The forum made the connection clear: the goals of sustainable industry (SDG 9) and resilient communities (SDG 11) are deeply intertwined. The path forward is paved by entrepreneurs who build businesses that intentionally serve as community pillars.
The energy from the youth participants confirmed that the next generation is ready to build this resilient future, one business at a time.
About the speaker: Rim Abou Chahine is part of the Strategic Insights team at Green Impact Solutions. She specializes in helping businesses translate sustainability ambition into measurable, credible action and integrate ESG strategy into core business performance.
