At nine years old, Mariam Solika watched a documentary on climate change at her school: “I remember feeling overwhelmed by the idea that the planet was in danger, but what stayed with me the most was not the fear – it was the action that followed”.
Her school encouraged all students to plant trees, rethink their daily habits, and understand that even young people could contribute to change. That moment — the shift from fear to action — would quietly define the rest of her life.
Today, Mariam is the Founder and CEO of The Good News (TGN), what she describes as the Arab world’s leading positive news platform, and one of the United Nations Young Leaders for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She highlights her work as sitting at the intersection of digital storytelling, youth empowerment, and public policy.
A platform for hope
Launched in 2020 when she was just 21 years old, Mariam states that TGN is a platform that reflects the ambition, resilience, and creativity of Arab youth today. Through this platform, Mariam has connected over 20,000 young people with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead. Student projects, community efforts, and climate solutions that once lived in the shadows now find visibility, support, and momentum.
“At its core, The Good News exists to amplify hope. We aim to become a mirror for young people — reflecting their light back to the world so they can see the power and potential they already carry within them,” says Mariam.
The platform has become a space to share stories that often go unnoticed, celebrate young people’s successes, connect audiences with opportunities and workshops, and create content that reminds people that positive change is possible.
From digital spaces to the global stage
Mariam’s work extends far beyond the digital world. She has served as a Youth Communications Consultant for COP27, COP28, and COP29, amplifying youth perspectives and voices in global climate discussions.
“The calling never left me; it simply evolved as I gained more tools, knowledge, and stronger global networks to create impact,” she says.
In 2023, UNICEF Egypt named Mariam the country’s “Most Inspiring Youth”, recognizing her ability to translate optimism into action.
In 2025, she was appointed a Young Leader for the SDGs by the UN Youth Office and has had the opportunity to lead and participate in dialogues on local, regional, and global levels.
“One of the moments closest to my heart was being invited to speak at Egypt’s largest youth sustainability event, organized by Act Sustainable. It was incredibly inspiring to stand among hundreds of young people who are genuinely passionate about creating change and eager to gain the right tools to do so.”
As a Young Leader for the SDGs and a UN Youth Advisory Board Member in Egypt, Mariam continues to shape strategies that place young people at the heart of sustainable development. Between digital spaces and policymaking halls, Mariam stands at the heart of youth empowerment, proving that hope is both a message and a mandate.
“When traditional media turned its back on how I felt and the stories I believed needed to be told, I stopped waiting for permission. For our generation, having a seat at the table is no longer a privilege granted to us — we build our own tables, create our own seats, and invite others in. One of the most reassuring moments in my advocacy career is seeing another young person inspired by what I created, then watching them go on to pave their own path, build their own platform, and flaunt their own voice.”
