“The youth are our present and future hope.”
So spoke vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as he prepared to celebrate International Youth Day on Saturday, a United Nations-sponsored event that is dedicated to celebrating young people’s contributions to conflict prevention and transformation as well as inclusion, social justice, and sustainable peace
“They are the UAE's most valuable asset. Nations are built by developing the youth. We are proud that our youth have achieved tremendous successes, not only at home but also abroad. They have presented their success to the entire world,” he added.
“The UAE is a success story, whose champions are the youth. They are in the driver's seat when it comes to development, in both the government and private sectors. With their spirit, we can always be number one.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also noted that the UAE’s youth have become a global role model.
"The UAE government has created the best model for youth empowerment. We have appointed a young minister, who, along with her team, are working for the youth. Youth circles were created in the cabinet, the ministries and other departments. Policies and platforms were established for the youth, to make their voices heard everywhere. Building the youth is a priority. The UAE's future is in their hands, and with them, we do not only create a better future, but the better future," he added.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE armed forces, also expressed his pride for the UAE’s youth and their role as the nation’s promising future.
“A nation rises through the determination of its people and the energy of its youth. We are proud of the achievements of our youth in all fields.”
He continued: “We are confident that our youth, who adhere to their identity and values and believe in their own capabilities, will write an inspiring success story in the history of our nation.
“The secret of the UAE’s success story is one that empowers the youth to contribute to the nation’s development efforts, and provides them with the opportunity to show their loyalty and gratitude to their forefathers, who had left us a legacy of determination and giving.”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed recognised that the nation’s youth “are capable of handling any responsibility, and we have faith in their ability to raise the UAE's flag.”
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and minister of presidential affairs joined in the acclamation, pointing out that the Arab world should lead the efforts to prepare a young generation who are capable of creating peace and hope for the world.
Sheikh Mansour said there is a consensus on the vital role today’s young people will play in the future.
“The Arab youth, in particular, have a special role to play in the regional peace-making process.
“The youth comprise most of the populations of Arab countries. This advantage entails an immense potential that should be utilised, to drive development in the Arab world. The youth also need other people who will listen to their opinions and adopt their ideas. On the other hand, the leaders of nations also need to integrate their youth in the decision-making process, to avoid conflicts and achieve peace and development.”
