UAE Hosts Youth Dialogue on Global Challenges on Sidelines of UNGA 81

New York, The Gulf Observer: The United Arab Emirates hosted a Youth Dialogue on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York, bringing together young people from 10 countries to discuss global challenges and the role of youth in developing solutions.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the event, which was organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the UAE Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.

The dialogue brought together 52 youth delegates from Bahrain, Lebanon, the United States, China, India, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Mexico. Young Emiratis studying in the United States also participated.

Participants discussed major challenges and opportunities affecting young people, including the impact of conflicts, climate change, rapid developments in technology and artificial intelligence, education and employment opportunities, and the role of youth in building safer and more sustainable communities.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed welcomed the participants and stressed that young people are not only future leaders but also partners in shaping the present. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that their voices are heard in discussions and decision-making processes concerning challenges facing their communities and the wider world.

He also highlighted the importance of providing platforms where young people can present their visions and ideas directly to decision-makers, noting their innovative potential and ability to contribute to practical solutions to contemporary challenges.

Sheikh Abdullah further underscored that meaningful youth engagement should extend beyond listening to their views to enabling young people to develop solutions and build partnerships that address current challenges. Such engagement, he said, can strengthen international efforts and better respond to the aspirations of future generations.

The event featured a panel discussion with Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. The discussion was moderated by Afra Mahash Alhameli, Director of the Strategic Communications Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Al Hashimy said young people are already contributing to responses to challenges facing communities through entrepreneurship and innovation, support for crisis-affected communities and efforts to bring different parties closer together. She stressed the importance of moving youth engagement beyond consultation to meaningful participation in decision-making, partnerships and resource allocation.

Sharaf highlighted the role of young people in shaping a future increasingly influenced by rapid scientific and technological advances. He noted that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are creating opportunities for youth to develop new approaches to work, education and innovation, while emphasising the need to equip them with the knowledge and tools required to translate these technologies into practical benefits.

The Youth Dialogue was held for the second consecutive year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, reflecting the UAE’s continued efforts to promote youth participation in multilateral action and facilitate direct intergenerational dialogue.

The initiative also aims to provide young people with opportunities to exchange ideas and aspirations with decision-makers and contribute to discussions shaping global priorities.