Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed launches UAE Youth Global Initiative

Leaders mark International Youth Day by highlighting the importance of young people to the country's future

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, addresses an event hosted by the Federal Youth Authority, in celebration of the International Youth Day, at the Sea Palace. Hamad Al Kaabi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has marked International Youth Day by launching the UAE Youth Global Initiative.

The initiative calls on young Emiratis to “enhance the UAE’s reputation” and “spread awareness of its values and heritage” and its progress.

To mark World Youth Day, we are launching the UAE Youth Global Initiative to help our youth use their full potential to enhance the UAE's reputation and spread awareness of its values and heritage as well as the all-round progress it has achieved.

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The announcement was made during Sheikh Mohammed's attendance at International Youth Day on August 12, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs.

He noted that young people have a responsibility to contribute to their society by investing in their skills, particularly in science.

“We are in a constant race with the world,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed following the event.

“We can lead the way by investing in science and by building distinctive and inspiring national capacities that take us forward. The children of Zayed are the ones who can take us there.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, tweeted that the country celebrates their “education, empowerment and participation in responsibility”.

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Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the Minister of State and Chair of the National Media Council, noted that the concerns of youth are given the “utmost priority” by leaders and government.

To that end, the UAE government appointed Shamma Al Mazrui as Minster of State for Youth Affairs and head of the Emirates Youth Council so that young people would have a channel to have their views heard.

In April 2018, the federal government approved the formation of the Federal Youth Authority, which will co-ordinate and support the actions of local youth councils across the country.

“Engaging young people through nationwide local councils, including the Youth Media Council, has achieved tangible results,” said Dr Al Jaber on the occasion of World Youth Day.

“These councils have launched national initiatives, setting an example and serving our country and its leadership.”

Noura Al Kaabi, the Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, was one of several government leaders to issue a statement marking Youth Day.

''Since it was founded, the UAE has been heavily investing in the capacities of young people so they can gain modern skills and empower and rehabilitate themselves to serve their local community,” she said.

“They serve as a safety valve and a source of hope and strength for the community.”

Dubai Police organised a lecture for 100 outstanding high school pupils to mark the day.

A spokesman for the force said: “We want to guide students towards the right path in choosing their future career. Each one has unique potential and should not be wasted in choosing a job that is expected to vanish soon."