UAE Convenes Youth Dialogue at UN General Assembly with Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted a landmark Youth Dialogue at UNGA 81, bringing together 52 young delegates from ten nations to discuss global challenges and youth empowerment.
The United Arab Emirates hosted a significant Youth Dialogue event on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with the attendance of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the UAE Permanent Mission to the United Nations, the dialogue brought together 52 youth delegates representing ten countries: the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Lebanese Republic, the United States, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of India, the Republic of The Gambia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Commonwealth of Australia and the United Mexican States. Young Emiratis pursuing their studies in the United States also participated in this significant gathering.
The event addressed pressing global issues affecting young people today, including the ramifications of conflict, climate change, technological advancement and artificial intelligence, education and employment prospects, and the instrumental role young people play in creating safer and more sustainable communities.
In his address, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised that youth represent not merely future leaders but active partners in shaping present realities. He stressed the importance of providing platforms for young people to express their visions and ideas, acknowledging their innovative potential and capacity to develop practical solutions to contemporary challenges.
The Minister underscored that genuine youth engagement extends beyond consultation to meaningful involvement in decision-making, partnership development and resource allocation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of international efforts.
A prominent panel discussion featured Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. Afra Mahash Alhameli, Director of the Strategic Communications Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, moderated the conversation.
Minister Al Hashimy highlighted how young people are actively shaping community responses through entrepreneurship, innovation and humanitarian engagement. She advocated for meaningful youth involvement in decision-making structures and resource allocation, strengthening their capacity to develop and implement solutions.
Assistant Foreign Minister Sharaf emphasised the transformative role of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in creating opportunities for young people. He stressed the importance of equipping youth with the knowledge and tools necessary to translate technological advances into tangible benefits for society.
This year marks the second consecutive annual Youth Dialogue convened during the UN General Assembly, reflecting the UAE’s enduring commitment to youth empowerment and intergenerational dialogue at the multilateral level.
Source: WAM