Nurturing young Emiratis is key to peace and prosperity

Over the decades, the nation’s leaders have remained committed to the ideals of Sheikh Zayed. The UAE is not only the most advanced nation in the Middle East but also a promising economic model for others to follow.

The role of young Emiratis in social development and sustainable national projects was discussed at an event marking World Youth Day. Silvia Razgova / The National

If you want to grow a giant redwood tree, you need to nurture the sapling and work out what might stop its growth. These are the words of Elon Musk, the man behind Tesla, the electric vehicle company, and a number of innovative ventures.

While he was talking about how to turn new ideas into major companies, the same can be said about nurturing young people.

One of the most effective ways to promote peace and prosperity is to empower youth through positive values, education and opportunity. This aim has always sat at the heart of the UAE’s national vision. The Founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, embraced the importance of changing with the times and nurturing young people.

“Future generations will be living in a world that is very different from that to which we are accustomed,” he said.

“It is essential that we prepare ourselves and our children for that new world.”

Over the decades, the nation’s leaders have remained committed to the ideals of Sheikh Zayed. Half a century ago, the Arabian Gulf region was one of the most undeveloped areas of the world. Today, the UAE is not only the most advanced nation in the Middle East but also a promising economic model for others to follow.

Since 2005, the Emirates Foundation has worked tirelessly to help prepare young Emiratis for the future. A key philanthropic organisation, it was established under the guidance of President Sheikh Khalifa.

Its goal is to inspire, empower and guide Emirati youth to be the catalyst for the nation’s future progress.

Today, it has six principal initiatives. Participants can enter programmes such as Takatof, which offers a variety of volunteering opportunities.

There is a programme called Think Science, which introduces Emiratis to science-based problem-solving and careers. Others focus on financial and career-development skills. In addition, the foundation promotes opportunities for young women, an ideal that Sheikh Zayed advocated.

At Shell, we are very proud of our strong partnership with Emirates Foundation, which dates back to its creation in 2005. Over the past 11 years, Shell has actively supported the foundation’s initiatives across a number of disciplines, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or Stem.

This is a reflection of our company’s global emphasis on innovation and technology. Through our support we have been able to offer the foundation’s programmes direct access to the private sector.

In 2009, the Emirates Foundation begun a reorganisation away from traditional philanthropy and towards venture philanthropy, a model adopted from Shell Foundation, an independent charity that our company established in 2000.

Venture philanthropy focuses on developing initiatives that can eventually fund themselves.

To assist in the transformation, we offered our expertise in capacity building and human resources to enhance staff training.

Shell and the Emirates Foundation have renewed their partnership, which we hope demonstrates our commitment to youth in the UAE, a country where Shell has been present for more than 75 years.

In line with our social investment goals, we will continue to share our knowledge and expertise to help it achieve its goals. And we will be here to collaborate on initiatives to help it meet new targets.

Ultimately, the success of young Emiratis feeds the success of an entire nation. Over time, this success can be a guide for the wider region.

Millions of young people across the Middle East and North Africa currently struggle to access education and employment prospects. The UAE’s determination to equip its youth with knowledge and skills is an example other governments could use to their benefit.

Ali Al Janabi is the vice president and chairman for Shell’s upstream businesses in Abu Dhabi.

Follow The National's Business section on Twitter