A Lebanese has been named among the 2021 Ten Most Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) of the World.
Christopher Arida, an entrepreneur and a passionate environmental activist, is the first Lebanese to ever make it to the TOYP list.
The TOYP program, sponsored by the Junior Chamber International (JCI) NGO, honors ten young people from around the world who shine in their area of expertise and exemplify young leadership. Winners are determined through public voting.
Among other accomplishments, the co-founder and CEO of the Diwama waste management company developed a modern, AI-based automation concept utilized in the waste management sector.
Diwama is now among the top eight startups in the final phase at the Berytech Accelerator, an annual 3-phase program that supports startups across multiple sectors.
In addition to Berytech, Christopher Arida’s concept has been supported and funded by Plug and Play, AstoLabs, the Alliance to End Public Waste, Makesense, Veolia Middle East Spark Accelerator, and many other organizations.
In January 2020, Arida coordinated with three municipalities and more than 750 households to invest in a small waste sorting facility, which provided door-to-door waste collection services for more than a year.
“I am honored to represent the strength, resiliency, and perseverance of Lebanese young leaders,” Arida, who was nominated under the Business, Economic, and/or Entrepreneurial Accomplishment category, said following his selection.
“I hope to inspire others not only to become good at what they do but become the best in the world. Thank you for those who supported me and special thanks to the JCI team who have worked hard to highlight Lebanese talent and make us shine globally.”
For her part, TOYP Lebanon Director Marie Khoury said: “I’m so incredibly proud of the Lebanese youth and pleased to see a Lebanese among the 2021 TOYP Honorees, a first in Lebanon’s history!”
“This is a symbol of hope for the country and a testament that, even during the most difficult situations, inspirational moments arise.”
Notably, Arida was one of three Lebanese who made it to the top 20 finalists in the TOYP program this year.
