UAE’s Next Generation Contributes to Global Summit in Abu Dhabi

As part of this year’s 2015 Summit on the Global Agenda, UAE youth played an active role in contributing to the international discussions taking place over the past three days. Held this week in Abu Dhabi, more than 900 thought leaders from academia, business, government and civil society, from more than 60 countries, gathered at Yas Marina Circuit to address pertinent issues on the global, regional and industry agendas. 

As part of the official Summit program, young UAE Nationals were invited to take part in Global Agenda Council discussions, spanning a range of topics from the Economics of Innovation and the Future of Government to Food & Nutrition Security and Education. 

“This focus on human capital is part of the UAE’s ambition to cultivate innovation as a cornerstone of our country’s sustainable, knowledge-based economy,” said HE Eng. Sultan bin AlMansoori, the UAE Minister of Economy, who co-chaired the Summit. “The UAE has a young population with an average age of just over 30 years. We believe that it is our young people who will create the societal shift, shaping an environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship.” 

Through the Observers Program, the Student Journalism Program and the UAE Youth Ambassadors Program, the UAE’s youth were exposed to various elements of the Summit and had the chance to interact with global thought leaders and observe the landmark program.   

The Observers Program: Asma Al Jailani, a young professional who is part of the Observers Program said: It is important to be a part of the global dialogue through the Summit.  There are people from all over the world gathered here to help solve global challenges.  

The Observers Program provided an opportunity for Abu Dhabi’s ambitious youth to attend the invite-only closed council sessions held during the Summit. Each of the councils addressed global challenges, including locally relevant topics such as data-driven development, the future of manufacturing, emerging multinationals and social innovation. Participants had the opportunity to engage with thought leaders from around the world, and by observing these high-level discussions, were able to explore their fields of interest first-hand. Al Jailani added: To listen to those conversations and to contribute from my part of the world is an amazing opportunity.  

The Student Journalism Program: Fatima Al Katheeri, a student at Zayed University and a participant in the Student Journalism Program, which gave students the opportunity to work with accredited media to write and publish articles about the Summit in The National, commented: Through my contributions as a student journalist, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with decision makers about the role youth can play locally and internationally, while at the same time enhancing my skills and making an impact on the Summit, in my own way.  

Through the program, Al Katheeri and other students gained experience in the UAE’s growing media industry and were able to develop skills to enhance their future professions.    

The UAE Youth Ambassadors Program: The third program that the UAE’s youth took part in was the UAE Youth Ambassadors Program. The selected 70 UAE Youth Ambassadors from various academic institutions and programs represented their schools and the country at last night’s Gala Dinner held at Mushhrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi. The UAE nationals served as cultural ambassadors, offering Emirati perspectives to the delegates. 

Abdulla Al Hussam, a Youth Ambassador who attended the Gala Dinner and is participating in the Summit’s Youth Program for the third year, said: Not only are we, as ambassadors, able to speak to visitors about the UAE and our heritage, but we are able to interact with business and policy leaders and engage on important topics.

When asked about issues that matter to him, Abdulla said: Education is the key to everything. I have seen great advancement in the progression of education in the country and know that the continued investment in education will provide limitless opportunities for the youth of the country.