UAE Joins Global Celebration of International Youth Day

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: Tomorrow, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will participate in the global celebration of International Youth Day under the theme, “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” This annual event, held on August 12th, aims to bring youth issues to the forefront of the international community and to recognize the potential of young people as key partners in shaping today’s global society. The day also provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the critical need for youth engagement and participation, which is essential to achieving sustainable human development.

The UAE has made significant strides in empowering and investing in its youth, reflecting the nation’s commitment to involving young people in decision-making processes and the comprehensive development of the country. The UAE’s youth empowerment strategy is deeply rooted in the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who emphasized the importance of preparing youth with future skills and knowledge as a cornerstone of the nation’s comprehensive development vision. He stated, “Youth are the strength, energy, ambition, and true wealth. They are also the pillar of development and the leaders of tomorrow in their communities. They must acquire everything that enables them to contribute effectively to the progress of their country and create a prosperous future for it.”

International Youth Day aligns with the United Nations’ focus on the role of digital technologies in sustainable development. The UN highlights that data generated from digital interactions plays a crucial role in evidence-based decision-making, impacting economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70% of the 169 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets and have the potential to reduce the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion.

In May 2024, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Youth Agenda 2031, a comprehensive framework aimed at empowering young Emiratis to become regional and global role models. The agenda seeks to enhance their contributions to economic and social development and is structured around five key pillars: economic contribution, community engagement while upholding Emirati values, global leadership, proficiency in advanced technologies and future skills, and achieving the highest levels of health and quality of life.

The National Youth Agenda 2031 sets ambitious targets, including qualifying more than 100 young Emiratis to represent the country in global organizations and forums related to priority national sectors and ensuring 100% suitable career pathways for youth in the labor market. Additionally, the agenda aspires to place the UAE among the top 10 countries globally in terms of the quality of life provided to youth and to foster a strong national identity among young Emiratis.

The UAE’s National Youth Strategy, targeting Emiratis aged 15-35, provides a roadmap for institutions and initiatives focused on youth empowerment. This strategy has led to numerous programs and initiatives that support Emirati youth, enabling them to maximize their potential and pursue opportunities of their choice. One significant milestone in this strategy was the UAE Cabinet’s 2019 decision to mandate the inclusion of young Emiratis under 30 in the Boards of Directors of federal government entities.

The Federal Youth Authority plays a pivotal role in engaging young people through various initiatives, such as Youth Councils and the Youth Agenda, which enhance the role of Emirati youth in creating positive change. The UAE Government Leaders Programme identifies and empowers young leadership talents, while the Emirates Youth Global Initiative strengthens the global presence of UAE youth.

On a regional level, the UAE launched the Arab Youth Center (AYC) in 2017 as a platform to develop youth capabilities and support innovation across the Arab world. The AYC implements various initiatives, including the Arab Youth Hackathon and the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme, to equip young Arabs with the skills needed to drive positive change in their communities.

In April 2022, the UAE further demonstrated its commitment to youth by launching the National Youth Survey, aimed at understanding the social, political, economic, and cultural maturity levels of the youth. This survey collects vital data to inform policies and strategies that enhance the quality of life for young people in the UAE.

In the space sector, the UAE’s Arab Space Pioneers’ Programme, launched in July 2020, exemplifies the nation’s commitment to fostering young talent in emerging industries. This three-year intensive training program, overseen by the UAE Space Agency, aims to equip young Arab researchers, scientists, and inventors with the skills and expertise needed to excel in the growing space sector.

As the UAE joins the world in celebrating International Youth Day, the nation reaffirms its dedication to empowering its youth and ensuring their active participation in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.