Thousands attend launch of new political engagement forum

Initiative aims to persuade young people to take a more active role in helping shape nation’s future

Tariq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, discusses political empowerment. Courtesy of the Ministry of State for FNC Affairs.

Thousands of students from across the Emirates have attended the launch of a new forum aimed at encouraging greater political engagement.

The initiative, called 'Political Empowerment in the UAE', hopes to persuade young people to take a more active role in helping shape the nation’s future.

The scheme was launched via video link at five different branches of Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) on Monday.

Officials hope it will help kick-start fresh political discourse in time for the Federal National Council elections scheduled to take place later this year.

“This philosophy of empowerment is rooted in the vision to establish the creative environment necessary to enable citizens, especially young people, to become more involved in the various social, political, productive, and intellectual life,” said Ahmed Shabib Al Dhaheri, secretary general of the FNC.

“With that goal in mind, the UAE provides its citizens with incentives to learn, benefit from scientific breakthroughs in all sectors, and be active partners in the decision-making process.”

Tariq Lootah, undersecretary of the Ministry of State for Federal National Council Affairs, also stressed the importance of young people taking part in building the country’s future.

“The youth are a national treasure,” he said. “Their aspirations outline a better future for our country, a future where they carry the torch, continue with the sustainable development efforts, and cement the UAE’s leadership in all sectors.

“We are here today to reiterate our conviction that the youth are the future of political life in the UAE.”