Gulf Bridges Youth Leadership Programme Concludes First Edition With Focus On Food Security And Sustainability

The inaugural edition of the "Gulf Bridges – the Gulf Youth Leadership Programme" has wrapped up. Organised by Sharjah Youth and Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, both under the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, the programme was held with the support of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah. It saw participation from 40 young individuals across the GCC.

Participants explored a wheat farm in Mleiha to understand key development projects in Sharjah. This visit highlighted Sharjah's commitment to food security and sustainable agriculture. They discussed challenges in food security with Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of EKTIFA.

Dr. Al Tunaiji shared insights on Sharjah's wheat hybridisation programme, a pioneering effort in the UAE conducted at Mleiha's biotechnology labs. He explained how artificial intelligence is integrated into Sharjah’s food security projects, enhancing future readiness through sustainable practices.

He also mentioned the Mleiha Dairy Farm, known for producing organic milk, and a new model for "Fly" broiler farms focusing on free-range breeding. These initiatives leverage Sharjah's natural resources and environment to boost agricultural productivity.

The programme featured various field visits and workshops that enriched participants' experiences. Dr. Hanaa Namankani led a workshop titled "The Journey of Self-Awareness," delving into personality exploration. Another session, "Personal Skills and Team Building," was conducted by Ashwaq Ahmed Bouali at Sharjah Safari.

These workshops aimed at enhancing leadership skills among participants while fostering personal growth and teamwork abilities. The diverse activities provided practical learning opportunities in unique settings, contributing to a comprehensive developmental experience.

The programme successfully combined educational visits with interactive sessions to nurture future leaders from the Gulf region. Participants gained valuable insights into sustainable practices and leadership skills essential for addressing regional challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM