ABU DHABI // A group of Emirati youngsters met with ministers of state for a detailed explanation about the workings of government.
Held in cooperation with the Emirates Youth Council, the group came as part of the Government’s efforts to empower young people’s understanding of the Federal National Council.
Chaired by Noura Al Kaabi, Minister for FNC Affairs, and Shamma Al Mazroui, Minister for Youth, the pupils heard about the political process and efforts made between the Government and the FNC to raise political awareness in society.
Participants also proposed how the FNC could be developed and how political awareness could be expanded.
“Political awareness among young people is a necessity to proceed with the march of construction and development of UAE society,” said Miss Al Mazroui. “From the time it was founded, the leadership of the UAE has believed in its youth, in the importance of this group and its role in building the state and shaping a better future.”
Ms Al Kaabi said young people should take full responsibility for implementing the vision of the leaders, “to build a future government founded on the UAE’s greatest asset, which is the skill and capability of the youth”.
She cited a 2005 speech by the President, Sheikh Khalifa, which included the launch of a political empowerment programme that aimed to enhance the role of the FNC, and be “more focused on domestic and citizens’ issues, and to instil the values of participation and the advisory approach through a gradual path, commensurate with the UAE’s society and culture”.
Salem Al Shehhi, FNC member for Ras Al Khaimah, backed the call for youngsters to get involved in the political process.
“We are one tram in this country, so the decision-making is not in the hands of one person,” she said. “Through these discussions, young people can express their desires and the obstacles they are facing, which will help decision-makers make the right decisions.”
hdajani@thenational.ae