Programme links university students to top diplomats

Sixteen students in the inaugural class of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed University Scholars Programme yesterday met the US ambassador to the UAE, Richard Olson, at the US Embassy in the capital. The students are taking part in a year-long leadership development programme set up by the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute and the Abu Dhabi Education Council last year aimed at encouraging academic and intellectual opportunities and exchanges while New York University's Abu Dhabi campus is being built. Senior students at federal universities with strong academic records and leadership potential are eligible to apply to the programme.

Mr Olson said he was pleased to participate in the programme, the state news agency, WAM, reported yesterday. "New York University's presence is a symbol of the UAE's commitment to academic excellence and intellectual development, and the focus on nurturing national leaders shows an important commitment to the future growth and strength of the UAE," he said. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohammed bin Zayed, a co-chairwoman of the Scholars Programme Steering Committee, said the programme provided students with rare opportunities to become better leaders in their chosen fields.

* The National