ABU DHABI, 22nd March, 2023 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, has met with members of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council’s 5th cycle (2021-2023).
His Highness was accompanied by Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
During the meeting, Sheikh Khaled reviewed key outcomes of the programmes and initiatives launched by the Abu Dhabi Youth Council’s 5th cycle, which he discussed with the young council members who have implemented the projects together with strategic partners.
He was briefed on the impact of several youth empowerment initiatives that are strengthening the capabilities of young Emiratis to enable them to actively participate in the nation’s development by harnessing young people’s abilities to work in high-priority areas and steer the growth of the knowledge economy.
Sheikh Khaled congratulated the members for their outstanding contribution to youth initiatives over their term and encouraged them to continue supporting young people and sharing what they have learned to enrich public life and support younger generations to achieve their goals.
His Highness also welcomed the members of the 6th cycle (2023-2025), wishing them luck in fulfilling their role to further advance and sustain impactful youth programmes by activating and strengthening the role of youth across government entities to enable young people to express their ideas and use their skills.
During the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed reaffirmed the UAE leadership’s commitment to youth empowerment as a top priority, adding that youth are the driving force behind the nation’s future development, and that youth councils provide a platform to build future-ready generations that use innovative and forward-thinking solutions to face future challenges and lead the national economy.
The Abu Dhabi Youth Council’s 5th cycle has launched 22 initiatives that have supported more than 20,000 beneficiaries from different age categories. In addition, seven new initiatives are currently being developed, in cooperation with 28 partners representing public, private and third sector entities, to ensure the ongoing development of sustainable youth empowerment efforts.
During its previous cycle, the Abu Dhabi Youth Council worked to enhance communication with youth from various backgrounds, with a particular focus on People of Determination, low-income youth, inmates from penitentiary and correctional institutions, jobseekers, university students, artists and creatives, among others. This was achieved by ensuring youth representatives were represented at local community centres (Majalis) and by conducting field visits to higher education establishments based in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra region, as well as organising events and activities aligned with young people’s interests.
Among the key youth empowerment initiatives launched by Abu Dhabi Youth Council’s 5th cycle were: the Job Preparation and Employment Support initiative, developed in cooperation with leading private sector entities; the “An Hour with Youth” initiative, launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Councils at the Presidential Court; the Youth Inventors initiative, launched in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development; the Emergencies and Crises Management Ambassadors Programme, delivered in conjunction with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi; and the Himmat Shabab: People of Determination Inclusion initiative, launched in cooperation with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination.