Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in cooperation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai, hosted the first edition of the “Discussion Panel: “Leaders of Tomorrow” initiative, which brought together members of the Dubai Student Council with the ministry’s leaders in an open interactive dialogue. With the aim of enhancing youth participation in national discussions and involving them in anticipating the future of the UAE and formulating solutions and ideas that support the sustainable development process.
The initiative comes within the framework of national efforts aimed at empowering youth and preparing them to lead the future, in line with the “Leaders of Tomorrow” initiative. Launched by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense. It aims to train a generation of young leaders capable of keeping pace with the rapid transformations in the fields of artificial intelligence, technology, and governance.
The session, which was held in an open dialogue format, witnessed the participation of Eng. Sherif Al-Ulama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Energy and Petroleum Affairs. Dr. Amna Al Mazmi, CEO of the Human Development Sector at the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in Dubai. Participants discussed a number of topics related to the future of jobs, technology and artificial intelligence, youth aspirations, the role of government, and concepts of leadership in a world undergoing rapid change.
investing in youth
Engineer Sharif Al Ulama stressed that investing in youth represents an investment in the future of the UAE. Pointing out that involving new generations in national dialogues contributes to developing more prepared, flexible policies and services that respond to future changes.
His Excellency said: “We believe that young people are partners in shaping the future, and that listening to their ideas and aspirations represents a fundamental input for developing government policies and services. The Panel Discussion Initiative: For Tomorrow’s Leaders provides a dialogue platform that allows the exchange of visions between youth and government leaders. Which enhances the culture of participation and contributes to building more innovative and sustainable solutions.
Providing dialogue platforms
For her part.. Dr. Amna Al-Mazmi stressed the importance of providing dialogue platforms that bring together youth and decision-makers. This contributes to building an educational system that is more responsive to future changes, and enhances students’ participation in formulating ideas and solutions that contribute to the development of society.
Al-Mazmi said: “Young people have visions and ideas that can inspire new ways of thinking and working, and by promoting direct dialogue between them and decision-makers, we can build an educational and development environment that is more in line with the aspirations of future generations.”
Expanded dialogues
The session witnessed extensive dialogues about the impact of emerging technologies in shaping societies, and the factors motivating new generations. It included mechanisms to enhance the interaction of government institutions with youth. It also included a reverse guidance section during which students presented recommendations and suggestions directly to government leaders. In a way that enhances the culture of mutual learning and exchange of experiences.
The initiative falls within the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority aimed at establishing a culture of dialogue and innovation. Enhancing youth participation in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future, supporting the UAE’s vision of building a competitive, people-led knowledge society. He invests in the energies of his youth as they are essential partners in shaping the future.
