The Family Development Foundation organized a youth forum titled “From Wisdom to Ambition” in celebration of International Youth Day, emphasizing its commitment to fostering intergenerational dialogue and sharing experiences and values from senior citizens to young people. This initiative aims to strengthen community ties and inspire the creative potential of youth, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of the nation.
Attendees included Mariam Mohammed Al-Rumaithi, Director General of the Family Development Foundation, Mariam Muslim Al-Mazrouei, Director of the Community Services Department, alongside staff members of the foundation, senior citizens, and several youth representatives from the Abu Dhabi Youth Council.
Mariam Mohammed Al-Rumaithi stated that International Youth Day embodies the foundation’s determination to empower young individuals by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to lead development and innovation. She expressed confidence in their capabilities and crucial role in shaping the future, acknowledging their contributions to community growth and innovative problem-solving in achieving sustainable development goals.
She highlighted the unwavering support provided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation,” who is the President of the General Women’s Union, the Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and the Honorary President of the Family Development Foundation. Her Highness recognizes the vital role that youth play in shaping the future.
It was noted that Sheikha Fatima has launched and endorsed national initiatives and high-quality programs aimed at empowering young people, facilitating their access to learning, training, and innovation opportunities. These efforts enable them to contribute across various sectors and showcase their talents, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading model in investing in youth potential and directing it towards development and progress.
The Family Development Foundation takes pride in the UAE’s leadership role in empowering its youth through significant initiatives, such as establishing the UAE Youth Council, appointing a Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and increasing youth representation to 37.5% in the Federal National Council. Support for entrepreneurship and climate action has made the UAE the preferred destination for Arab youth for twelve consecutive years.
The government has also launched prominent regional initiatives, including the Arab Youth Center in 2017, the digital platform “Opportunities for Arab Youth” in 2018, and the “Arab Astronauts Program” in 2020 aimed at nurturing Arab talent in space sciences, among other inspiring projects for youth on a global scale.
Topics of Discussion
Bahya Al-Marzouqi, Head of the Youth Skills Development Department at the Family Development Foundation, indicated that the forum covered four key themes. The first theme focused on identity and belonging across generations, the second addressed the impact of technology on social relationship dynamics, the third discussed the psychological and social needs of each generation, while the fourth highlighted the balance between aspirations and responsibilities.