UAE Celebrates International Youth Day With A Focus On Digital Pathways For Sustainable Development

The UAE will join the global celebration of International Youth Day tomorrow, themed "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development." This annual event on 12 August highlights youth issues and celebrates their potential as partners in today's global society. It also raises awareness about the importance of youth engagement and participation for sustainable human development.

In May 2024, The Cabinet approved the National Youth Agenda 2031, aiming to empower young Emiratis to be regional and global role models. The Agenda focuses on five main pillars: contributing to national economic growth, adhering to Emirati values, driving positive change globally, mastering future skills, and enjoying high health and quality of life standards.

The UAE’s strategy for youth empowerment is guided by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision. He stated, "Empowering and investing in youth and preparing them with future skills and sciences is a fundamental pillar within the UAE’s comprehensive development vision. 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."

The National Youth Agenda 2031 aims to qualify over 100 young Emiratis to represent the country in global organisations related to priority national sectors. It also seeks to provide 100% suitable career pathways for youth in the labour market. The agenda aspires to place the UAE among the top 10 countries globally regarding youth quality of life.

In June 2019, the UAE Cabinet mandated federal government entities to include young Emiratis (under 30 years old) on their Boards of Directors. This move ensures that young voices are heard in decision-making processes across various sectors.

The Federal Youth Authority has launched several initiatives like Youth Councils, which harness young people's energy and empower them across different sectors. Key policies include the Youth Engagement Policy and Youth Housing Policy, recognising youth's positive societal impact.

Arab Youth Center's Role

In 2017, during the World Government Summit, the UAE launched the Arab Youth Center (AYC) as a regional initiative. The AYC supports innovation and creativity among Arab youth by implementing initiatives across various sectors and conducting research to help shape youth-friendly policies.

The center has introduced strategic initiatives such as the Arab Youth Hackathon, Arab Youth Projects Market initiative, and Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme. These initiatives aim to develop young Arab leaders who can drive positive change in their communities.

National Surveys and Space Programmes

In April 2022, the UAE launched the National Youth Survey to gauge youth maturity levels across social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions. The survey collects data that helps decision-makers draft appropriate policies to improve youth quality of life.

In July 2020, the UAE introduced the Arab Space Pioneers’ Programme under the UAE Space Agency's supervision. This three-year intensive training programme aims to equip young Arab talents with skills needed for careers in space technologies.

Digital Technologies' Impact

The UN highlights that data from digital interactions supports evidence-based decision-making. Digital technologies impact economic, social, and environmental dimensions significantly. They contribute to at least 70% of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing achievement costs by up to USD 55 trillion.

The UAE’s National Youth Strategy targets Emiratis aged 15-35 through five stages: education, work, family formation, citizenship practice, and national action. This strategy forms a roadmap for institutions concerned with youth empowerment across various fields.

Youth Retreat helps young people create personal plans while enhancing their role in creating positive change through initiatives like the Emirates Youth Global Initiative. The UAE Government Leaders Programme identifies young leadership talents within this framework.

With inputs from WAM