Seventeen years old, and already engaged with the world of tomorrow.

20 December 2025

While others are still searching for what they want to become later, Wail Kherrazi is already actively building. Building projects, communities, and opportunities for young people. He is the youngest climate mayor in the Netherlands. And with a group of volunteers, he organizes free workshops on technology and sustainability and utilizes idle robots for social impact. His drive? Giving back with what he has received himself — preferably for the next generation.“I have fantastic parents, but this drive really comes from within me. I am only 100% satisfied when I can truly help others. Ideally, I want to help the next generation as well. I am inspired by philosophy, but I mainly get a lot of energy from the possibilities and opportunities that new technology offers. And: I want to do something about inequality of opportunity.”
But where did it all begin? Wail enthusiastically shares: “I was 12 years old during the corona period and I invented a device that beeps when someone is closer than 1.5 meters to you. With that invention, I appeared on the Youth News. Since then, I have received a lot of support and opportunities from people who recognized my talent. That’s why I want to dedicate myself to providing support and opportunities to others as well. To help them develop their talents. Basically, I want to become a social entrepreneur.”

Technology and solidarity

Many schools have purchased robots with subsidies, but they sit idle in the cupboard. Wail saw opportunities to use them for a good cause. He now uses these robots for free workshops for young people outside of school, through the WailSalutem Social Innovation Lab (SIL), where about ten fellow volunteers help. “Preferably in neighborhoods where young people have fewer opportunities, such as North, Southeast, or New West. I have also given these workshops once in Morocco to young people.” The goal of SIL is to provide this kind of free technology workshops throughout the Netherlands. SIL collaborates with the Public Library Amsterdam. In Amsterdam-North, you have OBA Next. “That comes close to my dream.”

“My dream is to be a very good person.”

What do you want to do at 34? Wail doesn’t need to think long. “Then I want to make even more impact. My dream is to offer free workshops on technology and sustainability to young people all over the Netherlands. And preferably also in Morocco. I want to do something about inequality of opportunity. AI can be used poorly, but it can also be used very well. It can be a powerful tool for equal opportunities for everyone.” Wail is also part of a youth panel for UNICEF and in the municipal council of Amstelveen, he is part of the youth council. “I believe that everything is political.”
For 2026, he has a wish for everyone AND a book:With Heart, Head & Hands, to grow, to connect, and to empower young people in a rapidly changing world. It is a book full of practical tips and concrete guidance to bring together technology, creativity, and humanity.

“Truly collaborating for a sustainable future with the help of technology is my strength.”

Wail is at the Technasium in Amstelveen and always manages to find time to work on all his projects. This interview is too short to discuss all the projects in detail. More information about all the projects, such as SIL, OBA Next, Redurobotnic, De Solidariteit, and the bookHeart, Head & Handsfind you on the LinkedIn page of Wail Kherrazi.

Would you like to participate or collaborate on projects related to technology and education or technology and sustainability? Then send a message to the foundation of Wail at:info@wailsalutem-foundation.com