SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
International Youth Day, annually marked on August 12, is an occasion for the UAE to celebrate its talented youth across various fields, with a focus on empowering them for a sustainable future.
The UAE has laid the groundwork for youth involvement by appointing a Minister of State for Youth Affairs in 2016 and establishing the Emirates Youth Council.
Notably, the National Youth Strategy focuses on energising youth, unlocking growth opportunities, as well as enhancing their participation.
This year's International Youth Day theme is "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development."
According to the UN website, digitalisation offers vast opportunities to expedite sustainable development.
"By celebrating the digital contributions of youth, we can inspire further innovation and collaboration towards achieving sustainable development," the UN website said.
Established by the UN in 1999, the day highlights the challenges and opportunities youth face while promoting their engagement in social, economic, and political processes.
The National Youth Agenda 2031
With the National Youth Agenda 2031, the UAE is set to empower its youth as global leaders.
The agenda aims to drive economic progress, foster community impact, lead on the world stage, excel in tech skills, and enhance health and quality of life.
It includes goals to qualify over 100 Emiratis for global roles, ensure full career pathways, rank the UAE among the top 10 countries for youth quality of life, boost national pride, and launch the "National Charter for Youth."
Alongside, the agenda endeavours to make the UAE the easiest country for youth to access services, double youth projects and qualifications, and introduce the "Honorary Medal for Elite Youth."
UAE's Key Initiatives for Youth Development
The UAE's youth sector stands out with initiatives like Emirates Youth Opportunities, which provides online training, scholarships, and volunteering to develop key future skills.
Since 2019, the Telecommunications And Digital Government Regulatory Authority's (TDRA) Interactive Youth Lab has been integrating youth into the process of policy creation.
Moreover, the Federal Youth Authority (FYA), established in 2018, bridges the gap between youth and government to drive a youth-centred approach.
Together, these efforts align with the National Youth Strategy, which addresses five crucial transitions from ages 15-35: Education, work, healthy living, starting a family, and citizenship.
Celebrating Youth in Diverse Sectors
On the occasion of International Youth Day, Aletihad spoke to young Emiratis who have left a mark on their respective fields.
Zahra Lari, the first Emirati figure skater to compete internationally, said that "the youth are the future."
"We need to support them and help them reach their goals," Lari told Aletihad.
"You have the world in your hands, but you need to work hard and give it 200 percent every day. Never take no for an answer and always remember that nothing is impossible," Lari added.
For Hamad Al Shehhi, Senior Train Controller at Keoli MHI and Nafis Award 2024 winner, the occasion "celebrates the boundless potential of young people in every field, including the private sector."
"To the ambitious Emirati youth shaping the future of business, remember that your innovation, drive, and vision are crucial to our collective progress. Embrace challenges as opportunities, lead with integrity, and never underestimate the impact of your ideas," Al Shehhi added.
Latifa Al Hammadi, Vice Principal at Al Selaa School and robotics innovator, said that the day is a tribute to the vital role youth play in advancing the field of technology.
"Technology is not only the future of work and innovation but also a tool to empower young people to solve global challenges. With the support and guidance, youth can lead unprecedented advancements in technology, contributing to a more sustainable and innovative future for all," Al Hammadi said.
Highlighting the UAE's significant role in cybersecurity, Mohammed Alshamsi, the founder of Cyber Net, stressed the nation's commitment to innovation and security.
"To the youth, I say: your skills and knowledge are vital. Together, we will continue to lead in safeguarding not just our nation but the entire digital landscape. Your dedication today ensures a safer tomorrow for all," Alshamsi said.
Also speaking to Aletihad, Maryam Alhefeiti, an Emirati oil industry engineer, said that the global day reminds the youth that their unique ideas are key to enhancing their workplaces.
"Encouraging diversity in job roles among young people not only boosts their knowledge but also brings a fresh perspective to the workplace, fostering innovation and learning," Alhefeiti added.
Ammar Eissa Mohammed Abdulla, Research Analyst at Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST), highlighted that International Youth Day features Emirati youth's strides in space sciences.
"As the UAE strives to mark its presence on the global scientific map, our youth stand at the forefront of this endeavour. It is through their curiosity, creativity, and intelligence that we can achieve our aspirations to be leaders in space sciences and astronomy. SAASST is here to support and facilitate this journey, ensuring that our youth are well-prepared to take on leadership roles in scientific exploration and innovation."