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    Ms Lara Hussein

    Co-founder, CEO, Soil Builder

    The Waste Lab

    Lara Hussein, co-founder of The Waste Lab, is pioneering a revolution in food waste management. Along with Ceylan Uren, they co-founded this impact-driven startup, in Dubai, to turn food scraps from a burden into a valuable resource, reshaping the way communities think about waste. The Waste Lab's mission is to build healthier soil and future by empowering individuals, businesses, and communities. Their innovative, data-driven platform offers practical, nature-based solutions to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, benefiting local soil, farms, and food production. To date, The Waste Lab diverted over 5 million kg of food waste from landfills, significantly impacting local sustainability. The Waste Lab disrupts traditional waste management by promoting transparency and community participation. Lara’s vision extends beyond mere waste diversion; it's about creating a culture of environmental responsibility where everyone, from homeowners to large establishments, plays a part in sustainable living.

    Agenda

    Presentation

    Engaging the next generation as innovators, future farmers, and conscious consumers — defining pathways for youth leadership in agricultural technology and harnessing youth-driven demand for transparency, sustainability, and local provenance to accelerate market transformation.

    Panel Topics:

    ● Youth as agricultural innovators: Startups, research breakthroughs, and technology solutions developed by young entrepreneurs working on MENA’s food system challenges

    ● Making farming attractive: Technology integration, profitability models, and purpose-driven career pathways drawing young people into regenerative agriculture

    ● Youth consumer power: How young people’s demand for sustainable, transparent, and locally produced food is reshaping markets and purchasing behaviour?

    ● Soil stewardship education: Youth programmes building environmental literacy and scientific engagement in schools and universities

    ● Career pathway development: Training programmes, mentorship networks, and access to land and capital for aspiring regenerative farmers and agripreneurs

    ● Youth voices: Direct testimonials from young farmers, entrepreneurs, and activists leading regenerative transitions across the region

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