Right since its establishment, the UAE has adopted clear national policies and strategic plans to empower the youth and develop their capabilities.

The youth are the cornerstone of any development plan and their active contribution is not only necessary but also integral to the development process.

The appointment of a Minister of State for Youth Affairs in 2016 and the establishment of the Federal Youth Authority in 2018 with the aim of launching youth centres across the country to serve as hubs for their innovative ideas are milestones in the nation’s youth empowerment mission.

Obaid Salem Al Zaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the United Nations, highlighted the fact recently that the UAE has prioritised the country’s youth and their empowerment.

During his speech at the United Ambassadors Model United Nations Conference, Al Zaabi noted that the UAE aims to reinforce values among youth and strengthen their sense of loyalty and devotion to their country.

The First International Youth Forum, which concluded recently in Abu Dhabi, presented a set of recommendations most notably the empowerment of Muslim youth to lead the institutions of their societies, as well as promote their ideas, visions and aspirations.

The forum emphasised capacity-building and preparing genuine leaders academically by establishing institutions for training them.

Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the World Muslim Communities Council, who delivered the keynote address, rightly called on the world to listen to the young people who are facing different challenges, and give them the opportunity to create the future by assuming their responsibilities.

As he pointed out, “The youth are facing wide challenges, and we have to give all what we have to them. They are the future and they may shape it by undertaking their responsibilities. Find solutions to your problems by yourself and not wait for solutions imported from outside.”

The UAE’s youth delegates to the UN separately stressed the importance of empowering young people to participate in the decision-making process in society, which is a key priority of the UAE.

They made these comments in the plenary meeting of the Social, Humanitarian & Cultural Committee – otherwise known as the Third Committee – of the UN General Assembly.

Maryam Belhoul and Ahmad Al Zarooni, the UAE’s youth delegates for 2019, who were tasked with representing the young people of the UAE at the UN, put forward their ideas.

They rightly celebrated the UAE’s Hazza Al Mansoori – who made history by becoming the first Emirati astronaut in space on Sept.25, 2019.

The delegates well outlined the four key priorities of the UAE National Youth Agenda, along with other initiatives, policies and strategies that the UAE has implemented, to empower young people.

They also highlighted the UAE’s recently-adopted policy, which ensures that the voice of youth is heard at the federal level by having at least one young Emirati, under the age of 30, on the board of directors for any government entity.

The inauguration of a Youth Centre recently on Abu Dhabi Corniche by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces highlights the keenness of the leadership to encourage youth to dream big and unleash their potential.

The youth are considered the most cherished asset by the leadership and that’s indeed heartening.