The UAE has highlighted the importance of involving the youth in international efforts to address various global challenges, as well as enabling and involving them in the decision-making process.

This came in a statement made on behalf of the UAE by its delegation at a general discussion on social development issues, organised by the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly in New York. 

The statement welcomed the current advancement in many areas related to developing the youth of the world, as well as the policies and initiatives that have been adopted to empower them.

The statement pointed out that the UAE’s youth believe in the possibility of addressing global challenges by directly involving themselves in the decision-making process.

The statement highlighted the UAE’s accomplishments in involving its youth, adding that the country has made considerable efforts to ensure their empowerment and involve them in the processes of creating and making decisions. It gave the example of the appointment of a Minister of State of Youth Affairs, Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, aged 22, as an important and crucial step in following this direction.

It also noted the country’s desire to implement strategies and policies that will strengthen the participation of its youth, including the launch last year of the National Youth Agenda, which aims to create the appropriate environment to help them achieve their aspirations.

Regarding its international efforts, the statement highlighted the UAE’s desire to share its successful experiences in empowering and involving the youth with all countries, to create regional and international partnerships while giving the example of the launch, this year, of seven initiatives that aim to support Arab youth.

The statement also expressed the UAE’s desire to involve the youth in the UN General Assembly under the framework of the “UAE-UN Youth Delegate Programme,” as a step towards consolidating their involvement in the process of international decision-making.