TRENDS Roundtable Stresses Youth Empowerment For Future Leadership And Sustainable Growth

A roundtable titled "From clicks to progress: Youth digital pathways for sustainable development" was organised by TRENDS Research and Advisory, along with its Youth Council, in celebration of International Youth Day on 12th August. The event featured two-panel discussions focusing on youth empowerment, volunteering, education, and digital technology.

Participants in the first session discussed "Youth empowerment and leadership" alongside "Volunteering and civic participation". They emphasised the need to trust young people fully to develop their leadership skills. A creative work environment is essential as it encourages young individuals to express their ideas freely without fear.

The roundtable included members from various Youth Councils such as those from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the General Civil Aviation Authority, the Emirates Red Crescent, Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, United Arab Emirates University, and Zayed University. They highlighted that youth empowerment is a core principle in the UAE with clear strategic plans for developing young people's abilities.

In the second part of the session, participants focused on "Volunteering and civic participation". They agreed that volunteering helps build character in young people, making them more responsible and enhancing their leadership abilities. Volunteering also provides diverse experiences and raises awareness of societal and global issues.

They pointed out that volunteering fosters a cohesive society by instilling values of love and respect among youth. It offers an excellent opportunity for young people to apply previously learned skills, thereby strengthening national cohesion. Voluntary activities contribute to community development and enhance volunteers' communication skills.

Education and Skill Development

The second panel discussion addressed "Education and skill development" along with "Digital technology and youth". Participants stressed that an educational environment helps young people discover their talents and acquire new skills. They called for introducing new subjects in the educational system to foster creative thinking while balancing Arab culture with Western influences.

Participants suggested that linking academic subjects with practical applications can help young people choose their specialisations early. They highlighted the importance of offering new learning programmes that focus on future needs by combining team-based activities with experimental fieldwork.

Digital Technology and Youth

During discussions on "Digital technology and youth", members viewed technology as a double-edged sword. While it facilitates learning and skill acquisition, misuse can be destructive. Digital technology has provided significant opportunities for communication, influence, learning, and self-proving among youth.

The speakers noted that rapid technological advancements have led many educational institutions to adopt digital environments for educational activities. Many countries have used these technologies to enhance sustainable development efforts, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UAE.

Despite its benefits, participants warned about increasing risks associated with technology use. They stressed raising awareness among young people about these risks while equipping them with skills to avoid digital threats. Leveraging modern technology can support values of loyalty, belonging, and civic responsibility among youth.

The roundtable concluded by emphasising clear strategies for youth empowerment through specialised programmes that enhance abilities while providing scientific and practical experiences. Proper investment in digital technology through effective communication is crucial for sustainable learning.

With inputs from WAM