UAE to Celebrate International Youth Day with Focus on Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development

Abu Dhabi [UAE], August 11: Tomorrow, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will join the global community in celebrating International Youth Day under the theme: “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.” Celebrated annually on August 12, International Youth Day brings youth issues to the forefront of international attention and acknowledges the potential of young people as vital partners in today’s global society.

Purpose of International Youth Day

This observance also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of engaging and involving youth in various sectors, emphasizing their crucial role in achieving sustainable human development. By recognizing the contributions and needs of young people, the day highlights the necessity for societies to ensure the active participation of youth in building a more sustainable and equitable future.

UAE’s Commitment to Youth Empowerment

Over the past years, the UAE has made significant strides in empowering, qualifying, and investing in its youth. This progress is reflected in the increasing involvement of young people in decision-making processes and their active participation in the comprehensive development witnessed across the country. The vision behind these efforts is deeply rooted in the leadership’s commitment to creating opportunities for youth to contribute to the nation’s progress and to prepare them for the challenges of the future.

Vision of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The UAE’s youth empowerment strategy is closely aligned with the vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He articulated this vision by stating, “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 pillars 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.”

Importance of Digital Pathways

In line with this year’s theme, the United Nations has emphasized that data generated from digital interactions plays a critical role in evidence-based decision-making. Digital technologies and data have a profound impact across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, contributing to at least 70 percent of the 169 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets. Furthermore, these technologies have the potential to reduce the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion, underscoring their importance in the global effort towards sustainable development.

National Youth Agenda 2031

In May 2024, the UAE Cabinet approved the National Youth Agenda 2031, a strategic framework aimed at empowering young Emiratis to become role models both regionally and globally. This agenda is designed to increase their contribution to the nation’s economic and social development.

The National Youth Agenda 2031 is structured around five key pillars:

1. Economic Contribution: Aiming for Emirati youth to be major contributors to national economic growth, enhancing their role in driving the economy forward.
2. Community Involvement: Encouraging youth to participate actively in their communities while adhering to the core values and principles of Emirati culture.
3. Global Leadership: Positioning young Emiratis as global role models who drive positive change, representing the UAE on the international stage.
4. Technological Proficiency: Ensuring that Emirati youth are well-versed in the latest technological advancements and equipped with the skills needed for the future.
5. Health and Well-being: Prioritizing the health, well-being, and overall quality of life for youth, ensuring they have the support needed to thrive.

Objectives of the National Youth Agenda

The National Youth Agenda 2031 outlines several ambitious objectives, including qualifying over 100 young Emiratis to represent the UAE in global organizations and forums related to key national sectors. Additionally, the agenda aims to provide 100% suitable career pathways for youth in the labor market, ensuring they have access to opportunities that align with their skills and aspirations.

Furthermore, the agenda seeks to position the UAE among the top 10 countries globally in terms of the quality of life provided to youth. This includes enhancing national consciousness among young people, ensuring that Emirati youth are deeply proud of their identity and national affiliation. The launch of the National Charter for Youth is a key initiative in this regard, aimed at fostering a strong sense of national pride and belonging.

UAE’s National Youth Strategy

The UAE’s National Youth Strategy targets Emiratis aged 15-35, dividing this 20-year span into five critical stages: education, work, family formation, citizenship practice, and national action. This strategy serves as a comprehensive roadmap for various institutions, bodies, and entities concerned with youth in the country, guiding both government and private initiatives aimed at empowering youth across all fields.

The strategy has led to the establishment of numerous programs and initiatives designed to support Emirati youth, enabling them to maximize their capabilities, realize their potential, and pursue opportunities of their choosing. These initiatives are tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by youth at each stage of their development, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to the nation’s growth.

Youth Representation in Government

In June 2019, the UAE Cabinet took a significant step towards youth empowerment by making it mandatory for federal government entities to include young Emiratis (under 30 years old) in the Boards of Directors of their respective entities. This move was aimed at ensuring that the voices of young people are heard at the highest levels of decision-making, allowing them to influence policies and strategies that affect their lives and the future of the nation.

Federal Youth Authority Initiatives

The Federal Youth Authority has been at the forefront of engaging young people in various fields through a series of initiatives. These include the establishment of Youth Councils, which harness the energy and creativity of young people and empower them across various sectors. The authority’s key pillars include the Youth Engagement Policy, the Youth Housing Policy, and several other policies designed to recognize the positive impact youth can have on society. These policies aim to empower youth to be more proactive in the country’s development, encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the future of the UAE.

Youth Retreat and Leadership Programs

The Youth Retreat initiative provides young people with a platform to create a plan for their futures, helping them set goals and chart a course for their personal and professional development. The Youth Agenda, the first of its kind, enhances the role of Emirati youth in creating positive change within their communities and beyond.

Additionally, the UAE Government Leaders Programme plays a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young leadership talents, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to take on leadership roles within the government and other sectors. The Emirates Youth Global Initiative further empowers the role of UAE youth on the global stage, providing them with opportunities to represent their country in international forums and initiatives.

Arab Youth Center Initiatives

In 2017, the UAE launched the Arab Youth Center (AYC) during the World Government Summit as a regional initiative to develop youth capabilities and support innovation and creativity across the Arab world. The AYC implements a wide range of initiatives across different sectors and conducts research among young Arabs to help decision-makers shape youth-friendly policies that address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young people in the region.

The center’s mission is to groom a generation of young Arab leaders who can shape a brighter future for the Arab world. Through organizing initiatives, events, and programs, the AYC aims to refine the capabilities of young Arabs, maximize their potential, and encourage them to participate in driving change and leaving a positive impact on their communities.

Strategic Initiatives and Projects

The Arab Youth Center has launched an array of strategic initiatives and projects led by young individuals, including the Arab Youth Hackathon, the Arab Youth Projects Market initiative, and the Young Arab Diplomatic Leaders Programme. These initiatives provide young Arabs with platforms to showcase their talents, develop their skills, and engage in meaningful activities that contribute to their personal growth and the development of their communities.

The AYC has also launched a series of initiatives from the UAE to the Arab World, including the Youth Development Delegates Programme in the Arab region. This joint initiative, launched by the AYC and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), aims to embed young Arabs in 13 UNDP offices across the region. The program provides participants with opportunities to acquire new skills, develop their knowledge and networks, and harness their learning experiences to implement initiatives that benefit their countries and the broader Arab region.

National Youth Survey and Space Sector Initiatives

In April 2022, the UAE launched the National Youth Survey, an initiative aimed at gauging the social, political, economic, and cultural maturity levels of youth. The survey also collects youth-related data in various areas, making this information available to decision-makers and researchers. The goal is to help them draft appropriate policies and strategies that improve the quality of life for youth, support their needs, and invest in their skills.

In the space sector, the UAE has made significant investments in youth development. In July 2020, the UAE launched the Arab Space Pioneers’ Programme, a three-year intensive training program designed to incubate young talents and expand their career prospects in the region’s emerging space technologies. Overseen by the UAE Space Agency, the program equips young Arab researchers, scientists, inventors, and creative talents with the skills and expertise required to lead a career in the growing space sector.

This initiative is part of the UAE’s broader efforts to position itself as a leader in space exploration and innovation, with a particular focus on empowering youth to take on prominent roles in this exciting and rapidly evolving field.

The UAE’s commitment to youth empowerment is evident in its comprehensive strategies, programs, and initiatives designed to support the development of young people across all sectors. By celebrating International Youth Day and implementing a forward-thinking youth empowerment strategy, the UAE is paving the way for a future where young people are equipped to lead, innovate, and contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity.