Photo Credit: WAM
The United Arab Emirates hosted a Youth Dialogue on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81), bringing together young people from around the world to discuss major global challenges and the role of youth in shaping solutions.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the event, which was organised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) at the UAE Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
The dialogue brought together 52 youth delegates from 10 countries, including Bahrain, Lebanon, the United States, China, India, The Gambia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Mexico. Young Emiratis studying in the United States also participated.
Discussions focused on challenges and opportunities affecting younger generations, including conflict, climate change, rapid developments in technology and artificial intelligence, education, employment and the role of young people in creating safer and more sustainable communities.
Addressing participants, Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of treating young people not only as future leaders, but also as active partners in shaping the present.
He stressed the need to create platforms where young people can share their ideas and aspirations directly with decision-makers, while giving them opportunities to contribute practical solutions to challenges facing communities worldwide.
Sheikh Abdullah also noted that meaningful youth engagement should extend beyond listening to their views. Young people should be empowered to develop solutions and establish partnerships that can respond effectively to current and emerging challenges.
The event also featured a panel discussion with Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. The session was moderated by Afra Mahash Alhameli, Director of the Strategic Communications Department at MoFA.
Al Hashimy highlighted the growing contribution of young people through entrepreneurship, innovation and support for communities affected by crises. She said youth participation should go beyond consultation and include meaningful involvement in decision-making, partnerships and the allocation of resources.
Sharaf, meanwhile, focused on the opportunities emerging from artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. He said rapid scientific and technological developments are creating new possibilities for young people across work, education and innovation.
He also stressed the importance of equipping younger generations with the knowledge and tools required to turn emerging technologies into practical benefits for society.
The Youth Dialogue was held for the second consecutive year on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, reflecting the UAE’s efforts to strengthen youth participation in international discussions.
The initiative also aims to encourage direct dialogue between generations and provide young people with platforms to share their ideas with policymakers, helping ensure youth perspectives are represented in discussions on global priorities.
