Young Emiratis will play a central role in the future prosperity of the nation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said during the launch of the National Youth Agenda on Tuesday.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said the energy, skills and abilities of young men and women were a source of strength.

“The UAE is always at the forefront of efforts to provide for young generations,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

He spoke with young Emiratis on the last day of the National Youth Dialogue retreat at Dubai Design District, where officials discussed ideas from young people on how they can best be empowered by the Government.

The agenda aims to promote youth engagement for economic development, and hopes to encourage youth participation in developing the agenda.

Programmes will be developed to encourage responsibility and a pioneering spirit within the young.

The agenda is split into parts, including a plan to refer policies affecting young people to the Emirates Youth Council for consultation.

Majlises for youth will be set up in every ministry involved with young people to improve services.

A National Centre for Youth Data, to collect all youth-related data and act as a support for decision-making, will be developed.

An annual Youth Retreat will bring together young Emiratis and the UAE’s leadership to define priorities and agendas.

National Youth Centres will be established to promote exchange of expertise. They will include the Youth Innovation Centre, the Youth Media Centre and the Youth Centre for Culture.

The launch of the agenda was attended by officials including Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, Shamma Al Mazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Ahmed Al Zaabi, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Khalifa Sulaiman, director general of the Protocol and Hospitality Department in Dubai.

“We are honoured to represent the private sector with our participation at this unique national event,” Mr bin Byat said. “We believe that young people have the intellectual and physical energy and the power of transforming creative ideas into reality.”

Source: www.thenational.ae