UAE looks to future generations at One Young World Summit

A delegation headed by the Director-General of the National Media Council will attend the annual youth event in London

People watch the opening ceremony of the One Young World summit. AP

The UAE has sent a delegation to participate in the One Young World Summit, a global forum of young leaders meeting in London.

The four-day annual event brings together the brightest young leaders from more than 190 countries to be counselled by influential political, business and humanitarian leaders.

Leading the UAE delegation is Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director-General of the National Media Council who has been selected to be a counsellor alongside Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Unilever chief executive and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

Speaking before the summit, Mr Al Mansouri said: "To participate in the One Young World Summit is part of our efforts to contribute in delivering our positive message to the world, review our pioneering experience in empowering young people, as well as give them an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of their country and shape their future."

Mr Al Mansouri said that the participation of Emirati youth in a gathering of more than 5,000 young people from 190 countries, aims to equip young people with the expertise, skills and ways of thinking that enhance their idea of leadership and responsibility.

He said the National Media Council has made every effort to involve Emirati youth in such a global event.

The UAE's participation in the summit will give UAE nationals the opportunity to discuss issues facing the world, put forward ideas and contribute to solutions to the problems facing youth globally, in addition to showcasing the UAE's efforts in youth empowerment, the NMC Director-General said.

Mr Al Mansouri will deliver a speech titled, “The New Age of Conversation”, on Friday, the last day of the event.

While Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, chief executive of the Alliances for Global Sustainability and columnist for The National, will take in a panel discussion on the environment and climate change.

The delegation will include representatives from the United Arab Emirates University, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi Government Media Office, the media free zone twofour54, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Emirates Global Youth Council in the UK, and the National Media Council.

Former United Nations General Secretary Ban Ki-moon and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson will also address guests at the summit.