UAE MoFA Youth Council Formed To Empower Emirati Youth In Diplomacy

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is forming a new cycle of its Youth Council with the Federal Youth Authority, selecting young employees from across the Ministry. The body is designed to place youth nearer to decision-making, involve them in future planning, and support a diplomatic work environment that responds to regional and global developments.

Alongside the announcement, the Ministry holds a first Youth Retreat for employees. The gathering introduces the MoFA Youth Council, explains its strategic priorities, and presents plans for the coming period. The retreat also offers a structured space for discussion on how youth can shape the future direction of Emirati diplomacy.

The MoFA Youth Council supports the National Youth Agenda 2031, which aims to make Emirati youth a reference model in many sectors. This vision targets both the UAE and international arenas. Within this framework, the Ministry seeks to embed young voices in diplomatic practice and policy planning in a structured and measurable way.

The Council was originally launched in 2018, reflecting the Ministry’s intention to prepare a new wave of diplomatic leaders. Since that year, the group has focused on building skills in diplomacy and international relations, strengthening future readiness, and developing capabilities that can support the UAE’s representation abroad over the long term.

Over the years, the MoFA Youth Council contributes to strategic initiatives that refine diplomatic and consular work. Its projects also support the UAE’s wider foreign policy direction. The Council’s activities align with Federal Youth Authority goals, especially the integration of youth participation in government entities and the development of national talent in public service.

The journey of the MoFA Youth Council supports the goals of We the UAE 2031. It focuses on empowering young people, sharpening their readiness for future challenges, and preparing leaders who can actively support Emirati diplomacy. Through these efforts, the Council helps embed youth perspectives in institutional planning and daily operations.

MoFA Youth Council workshops and strategic pillars

During the Youth Retreat, the Ministry organises interactive workshops under the title "The Strategic Pillars of the MoFA Youth Council". Participants design targeted initiatives that match the Council’s mandate. They analyse challenges and opportunities, map relevant stakeholders, and discuss best practices, while also estimating the likely impact of proposed projects in the short and long term.

In opening remarks delivered by Mohammad Ahmad Almansoori, on behalf of Undersecretary Omar Obaid Alhesan Alshamsi, the Ministry stresses that diplomatic and consular work now requires well-prepared young professionals with strong skills and knowledge. The remarks explain that forming the MoFA Youth Council reflects this need by bringing young staff closer to decision-making and involving them in shaping initiatives.

Retreat discussions lead to a clear strategic roadmap for the MoFA Youth Council’s next phase. This framework outlines the Council’s areas of work, future priorities, and mechanisms to support and empower youth inside the Ministry. It also highlights partnership between youth and leadership as a way to strengthen institutional performance across diplomatic and consular fields.

With inputs from WAM