UAE Hosts Youth Dialogue At UNGA80 To Empower Young Leaders With H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed
The United Arab Emirates recently hosted a Youth Dialogue event alongside the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The event, attended by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) at the UAE Mission to the United Nations.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed participants, emphasising the UAE's commitment to platforms that prioritise youth voices. He stated that young people are not only future leaders but also current ones, showing courage and creativity in addressing today's challenges. Their involvement is crucial for shaping effective global solutions.
The dialogue brought together 40 youth delegates, including students and Emirati youth based in the US. Participants engaged in discussions on pressing issues such as climate action, peace and conflict prevention, equitable education access, and closing digital divides. These conversations highlighted the need for expanded opportunities in a connected world.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, participated in a session moderated by Afra Al Hameli from MoFA. She affirmed that young people are already leading in areas like climate action and digital innovation but remain underrepresented in global decision-making processes.
The Youth Dialogue underscored the UAE's dedication to inclusive engagement and multilateralism. This event followed the inaugural Youth Dialogue held during the BRICS Summit in Brazil in July 2025. It reinforced the UAE's role as a convener of intergenerational diplomacy and its belief in youth-led cooperation.
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy stated, "The UAE believes that international cooperation must reflect the lived realities of youth, particularly those from regions most affected by today’s challenges." This dialogue demonstrates a commitment to evolving diplomacy alongside future leaders.
Strategic Importance of Inclusion
The discussions emphasised placing global youth at the centre of decision-making. The UAE aims to act as a bridge connecting generations and sectors. Speakers stressed that inclusion should be more than a guiding value; it must be a strategic imperative for legitimacy and effectiveness in multilateral systems.
The dialogue aimed to capture grassroots perspectives for actionable insights informing global policy discussions. The UAE plans to reflect these voices in upcoming forums, reinforcing inclusion as both a moral imperative and strategic necessity for effective diplomacy.
Future Directions for Youth Leadership
The Youth Dialogue series is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to deepen regional connections and strengthen youth engagement in global governance. The UAE will continue championing youth leadership and inclusive dialogue as pillars of a more representative multilateral system.
With inputs from WAM
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