Monthly HighlightsSustainability Star

Sustainability Star of The Month- Majd Fayyad

4 Mins read

Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in the mountains of Lebanon, always amazed by nature’s rhythms. How trees “move” with the seasons, how people and nature are connected. That childhood wonder led me, somewhat incidentally, into mechanical engineering and renewable energy. Yet from my first steps in the sustainability field, I felt as though the career had found me. Today, I lead strategy and policy development for demand-side energy management at a government entity. I also serve as a director and board member of the Advancing Net Zero Volunteering Team, a non profit dedicated to accelerating net-zero cities in the UAE.

I believe that every one of us has a role in creating change. Real success isn’t about recognition, it’s about impact. Our lives become truly meaningful when we find our purpose and dedicate ourselves to it. For me, that purpose is driving sustainability forward, in my work, personal choices and through social media.

What inspired you to launch MajdTalks, and what gap were you hoping to fill in the sustainability space?

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I’ve always noticed a significant gap among industry professionals when it comes to understanding core sustainability concepts. If trained specialists lack clarity, imagine the confusion among the general public. In conversations, I repeatedly heard people assume that best practices and cutting-edge innovations in decarbonization are “far away” from our region. Whenever I shared examples of pioneering projects in MENA people were genuinely surprised.

That realization drove me to create MajdTalks with three core objectives:

  1. Simplify Sustainability: Break down complex topics into clear, relatable language so professionals and non-experts can grasp both the “why” and the “how.”
  2. Showcase Regional Innovations: Highlight best-in-class green projects right here in MENA. This helps shift the mindset from “That’s impossible here” to “That’s happening next door.”
  3. Inspire Change & Instil Hope: Beyond facts and figures, I wanted MajdTalks to spark belief in what’s possible. By sharing success stories and inspirational interviews, I aim to motivate professionals and encourage companies to create impact in their industries.

Can you share a few MajdTalks episodes or posts that had surprising impact or high engagement—especially the simple or unexpected ones?

The videos that gained the most engagement were the ones that simplified sustainability topics—like those that differentiate between net zero and carbon neutral, the difference between sustainability and CSR and ESG—basically, the ones that break down concepts. But there is one that is very close to my heart: the interview with Dr. Jane Goodall. At 91, Dr. Goodall’s decades of work as a naturalist, conservationist, and UN Messenger of Peace make her a living legend. I am honored that I got a chance to interview her and listen to her profound wisdom about remaining hopeful, taking action, and believing that even small efforts can ripple outward to create real change.

Watch full interview here: Interview with Dr. Jane Goodall | MajdTalks x Terra at Expo City Dubai 2025

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What are some of the most effortless yet impactful eco-friendly actions you recommend in daily life?

The top three impactful actions for reducing emissions are:

  • Stop driving alone (use public transit, carpool, or bike)
  • Reduce meat and animal-product consumption.
  • Lower home energy use with better insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and switching off lights/AC when not in use.

Describe a rewarding moment in your sustainability journey—something that reminded you why this work matters.

There have been countless rewarding moments, but one that stands out is when I speak at industry events and hear professionals say how much they admire my work and love MajdTalks videos. Each time someone approaches me with topic suggestions or asks me to cover a new subject, I realize my voice is truly being heard and that the industry is engaging with these conversations. I hope that MajdTalks can drive conversations and impacts in the region.

What are some common misconceptions about eco-friendly living or sustainability that you’d like to challenge?

  • “Climate change isn’t real; the climate has always changed naturally.”

While the Earth’s climate does fluctuate over centuries, today’s warming is both unprecedented in speed and directly linked to human activities. Scientific data clearly show rising greenhouse-gas concentrations, record-breaking temperatures, and extreme weather events.

  • “Sustainability is too expensive.”

Some eco-friendly options may have higher upfront costs (e.g., solar panels or electric vehicles), but they often pay for themselves over time through lower energy and maintenance bills.

How do you plan to evolve your sustainability efforts—from MajdTalks to broader initiatives or personal goals?

My next step is focused on expanding the reach of MajdTalks. Right now, we have over 50,000 followers across different social media channels, and I’m in advanced talks for several strategic partnerships that I’m extremely excited about—these collaborations will help us amplify research-backed content and showcase even more regional success stories.

How can we make eco-friendly choices more accessible, affordable, and appealing to people from all walks of life?

It is very important to simplify and localize the message, using short, culturally relevant tips rather than technical jargon so everyone can understand the benefits in their daily context. It is also important to highlight real local households or micro-businesses that have saved money by adopting sustainable practices, sharing concrete numbers and relatable stories so people see that someone like them can benefit and adoption spreads more quickly.

My work and the mission at MajdTalks are about making sustainability relatable and actionable. I believe that by combining data-driven insights with compelling stories, we can shift mindsets and inspire real change. Whether it’s a seminar or a 60-second social media reel, every touchpoint is an opportunity to show that sustainable practices aren’t a sacrifice, but an opportunity to save our planet and protect our future.

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