Emirati youth can help shape the nation’s future, WEF summit hears

Fatma Al Katheeri and Hessa Al Qayed of the Student Journalism Programme speak to UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Al Mansouri, along with The National's Frank Kane. Reem Mohammed / The National

The UAE’s youth must bring their concerns about life and society forward to the country’s leaders, as they represent the nation’s future.

That was the message from Sultan Al Mansouri, the UAE Minister of Economy and co-chair of the World Economic Forum Summit on the Global Agenda 2015, held in Abu Dhabi this week.

The summit, hosted by the UAE Government, brought together more than 900 leaders from many countries, representing different sectors: political, economic, and social, to tackle the nine global challenges, promote innovative thinking and to help improve the state of the world.

Alongside this year’s summit, there were three youth programmes being run, including the Young Observers Programme, Student Journalism Programmee and the UAE Youth Ambassadors Programme.

Emirati youth were able to engage, interact and influence the international decision-making process. The summit is a great chance to connect with influential leaders and for youth to explore their careers and to gain further insight into their own future fields.

“Being part of this WEF global agenda council helps us understand the bigger picture. As youth, we constantly are informed by the media, newspapers, etc,” said Omar Al Busaidy, a young Emirati professional and a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum. “Being present at this event with the global shapers and discussing solutions to improve the state of the world is a privilege to me.”

Mr Al Busaidy added that in addition to being behind the scenes he also got “different perspectives from all around the world, with participants who have years of experience, which in and of itself is priceless.”

Hessa Al Qayed, an HCT Women’s College student and a participant in the Student Journalism Program, added: “I had the honour of experiencing the true field of journalism with the support of experts in the field. As a young media student, having opportunities like this truly makes you value the sector and pushes you towards success.”

Ameena Al Hosani, a Zayed University student and a UAE Youth Ambassador, felt that participating in the summit helped to push her out of her comfort zone. “I was able to network with people from all around the world and enhance my communication skills as a media student. I was honoured to be an ambassador for my country and teach them about UAE history,” she said.

Through these various programmes and through youth contributions to this summit, youth are able to participate and have a voice in shaping the future of their nation.

Fatma Al Katheeri participated in this year’s World Economic Forum Summit on the Global Agenda, held in Abu Dhabi this week, as part of the Student Journalism Programme.

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