The Dubai-based Gen Z entrepreneur, author and media personality says young people must help shape global conversations on peace, security and the future—not just inherit them.
Dubai-based media personality and entrepreneur Yamuna Hasan has participated in the United Nations Disarmament Toolkit 2026, a six-session educational programme exploring disarmament, peace and international security through political, social and gender perspectives.
For Hasan, the experience represented more than an academic initiative. It aligned with a mission that has become central to her work: empowering Generation Z to participate meaningfully in conversations that will define the future they inherit.
Known for her work as an author, podcast host, speaker and entrepreneur, Hasan believes young people should move beyond being passive observers of global issues and become active contributors to policy, education and social impact.
A programme focused on youth voices
The United Nations Disarmament Toolkit brings together participants to examine how disarmament intersects with global security, diplomacy, gender equality and sustainable peace. Rather than approaching the subject solely from a political or military perspective, the programme encourages participants to understand the broader human impact of international decision-making.
Reflecting on the experience, Hasan said one of the programme’s strongest qualities was its commitment to youth inclusion.
“What I loved most was how empowering it was for youth. It wasn’t just about learning what disarmament means—it showed us why Gen Z has such an important role in peace, security and the future we’re going to inherit.”
She added that the discussions challenged assumptions about what disarmament actually involves, revealing how closely it connects with issues that affect everyday life, from equality and education to technology and social development.
Why peace and security matter to Gen Z
One of Hasan’s biggest takeaways from the programme was the relationship between gender, peace and global security.
She said the sessions demonstrated that international decisions ultimately shape the lives of younger generations, making youth participation more important than ever.
“I learned so much, especially about how gender plays a major role in peace and security and how decisions being made globally ultimately affect our generation. It made me realize even more how important it is that young people understand these conversations and actually have a voice in them.”
The programme encourages participants to examine global challenges through multiple perspectives, highlighting how inclusive decision-making contributes to stronger and more sustainable peace initiatives.
For Hasan, that message closely mirrors her own platform, which consistently focuses on confidence, mental health, education and youth empowerment.
From Dubai creator to global Gen Z advocate
Hasan has become one of the region’s most recognisable Gen Z voices, building a digital community that has generated more than one billion combined impressions across platforms.
Her influence extends beyond social media into education, leadership and public speaking. She previously delivered a TEDx talk examining how Generation Z is reshaping the world and has participated in Harvard’s HPAIR leadership programme.
She has also been invited to debate at Oxford University, while fashion and culture publication L’Officiel Arabia recognised her as a Leader of Gen Z.
Her podcast has reached millions of viewers online and even entered mainstream pop culture through a memorable Saturday Night Live parody featuring Sabrina Carpenter, further expanding her visibility among younger audiences.
Alongside her media career, Hasan has received several honours including Best Gen Z of the Year, Best Gen Z Author, Best International Author and Best Gen Z Podcast.
Turning influence into meaningful impact
Despite the growing list of achievements, Hasan believes recognition is only valuable when it creates opportunities for meaningful change.
She says today’s generation already possesses enormous cultural influence through digital platforms, but the next challenge is directing that influence toward issues with long-term societal impact.
“Gen Z already has an enormous voice culturally and digitally. The next step is using that influence for something bigger. We need young people in conversations about peace, security, mental health, technology and the issues shaping our future—not someday, but now.”
Her comments reflect a broader shift among young creators and entrepreneurs who increasingly combine digital influence with advocacy, education and public engagement.
Rather than separating entertainment from social responsibility, Hasan argues that creators have the ability—and perhaps the responsibility—to introduce complex global topics to audiences that traditional institutions often struggle to reach.
A Dubai perspective on global leadership
As a Dubai-based entrepreneur, Hasan’s participation also highlights the city’s growing role as a hub for young innovators, educators and global thought leaders. Dubai has increasingly positioned itself as a destination where entrepreneurship, technology and international dialogue intersect, creating opportunities for emerging voices to contribute beyond regional borders.
For Hasan, the UN Disarmament Toolkit represents another step in transforming online influence into tangible youth impact.
Her message is ultimately optimistic: the generation that will live with tomorrow’s decisions should also help shape them today. Through education, curiosity and active participation, she believes young people can move from being represented in global conversations to becoming genuine leaders within them.
