UAE Showcases Educational Initiatives At IPU Young Parliamentarians Conference In Armenia
The Federal National Council Parliamentary Division took part in the Tenth IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians from 12th to 14th September 2024 in Yerevan, Armenia. The event brought together over 300 young parliamentarians from around 150 countries to exchange experiences and support each other, aiming to increase youth participation in parliaments.
During Session 3, titled "Leaving no one behind: Delivering education and employment to the most vulnerable and marginalised," FNC member Majid Al Mazrouei highlighted the UAE's achievements. He mentioned initiatives like "Education for All," which offers free or subsidised education, ensuring everyone has learning opportunities. The "Window of Hope" programme focuses on training and employing people with disabilities, while the "Youth Empowerment" programme encourages entrepreneurship by providing financial support and training to young people.
Al Mazrouei pointed out that vulnerable and marginalised groups face significant challenges in accessing education and employment. These challenges stem from economic and social factors that hinder their ability to benefit from available opportunities. He stressed the need for employment policies that enhance the inclusion of these groups into the labour market.
To address these issues, Al Mazrouei suggested developing training and rehabilitation programmes. These programmes would help individuals acquire the skills needed to compete in the modern digital economy. This approach aims to ensure that everyone can participate fully in society.
Sarah Mohammed Falaknaz, FNC member and Vice Chair of the UAE Parliamentary Division at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), chaired Session 5 under the title "Unconference." In this session, young parliamentarians were invited to lead discussions on education and employment for young people during crises. They voted on two topics: leveraging education outcomes to enhance employment and national development for future generations, and global solidarity in crisis: safeguarding education in conflict zones.
The conference's theme this year was "Avoiding lost generations: Safeguarding education and employment in all circumstances." It focused on finding solutions to ensure uninterrupted access to education and creating job opportunities for young people. This theme underscores the importance of maintaining educational continuity even during challenging times.
Co-organised by the IPU and the National Assembly of Armenia, this conference aimed to boost youth participation in parliaments. It also sought to ensure that young MPs play a full role in parliamentary work. By sharing experiences, young parliamentarians can support one another more effectively.
The UAE's initiatives serve as examples of how nations can address educational and employment challenges faced by vulnerable groups. By implementing inclusive policies and programmes, countries can create a more equitable society where everyone has opportunities to succeed.
The conference highlighted the importance of global cooperation in addressing these issues. By working together, countries can develop strategies that benefit all citizens, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
With inputs from WAM

