Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 26, 2024 –  The  Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024 hosted an inspiring panel discussion titled “Youth: A Positive Outlook for the Future,” which explored innovative strategies to empower young generations as drivers of progress and global change.

The session featured distinguished speakers, including  His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and  Her Excellency Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi, Minister of Youth Affairs from the Kingdom of Bahrain. The session was moderated by  Lubna Mansour  from Sky News Arabia.

His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi  stressed the importance of education in preparing youth for future challenges, highlighting the need to focus on raising awareness among younger generations starting from primary school. He emphasised the importance of equipping children with skills such as critical thinking, effective research, and the responsible use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence. He also underscored the significance of emotional awareness and interpersonal skills in ensuring personal and professional success.

Dr. Al Neyadi highlighted the  Federal Youth Authority’s (FYA) National Youth Agenda 2031  as a key initiative aimed at positioning Emirati youth as global role models and contributors to economic and social development. The agenda’s five strategic goals include enhancing youth contributions to national economic growth, strengthening community engagement while adhering to Emirati values, driving positive global change, mastering future technologies and skills, and achieving high standards of health and quality of life.

Her Excellency Rawan bint Najeeb Tawfeeqi  shared Bahrain’s approach to youth empowerment, explaining how the country’s strategy for scouting and discovering talent has resulted in a comprehensive national database of youth talents across various sectors. She noted that each individual in the database has a defined pathway to unlock their potential. Tawfeeqi emphasised that empowering youth is a shared responsibility and expressed Bahrain’s commitment to turning challenges into opportunities for young people to thrive.

The panel underscored the importance of nurturing the skills, values, and well-being of youth to ensure they play a pivotal role in shaping the future. By fostering collaboration across nations and leveraging technology, education, and innovation, the session demonstrated how young leaders can transform challenges into opportunities for growth.

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About Dubai Women Establishment

Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) was formed as a statutory body of Dubai Government in 2006 under law no. (24) by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. DWE aims to enhance the professional and leadership capabilities of women, increase their participation in the comprehensive development journey, and strengthen their role in shaping the economic and social future of Dubai, by proposing and developing relevant and impactful policies. DWE is headed by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, President of DWE and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court. DWE’s strategic plan for 2023-2027 includes three pillars: creating an enabling environment for women in the labour market, developing women leaders, and enhancing the quality of life for women in society, through which DWE seeks to achieve its vision of “Dubai as a pioneering model for women-friendly cities.” The new strategic plan focuses on contributing to the strengthening of supporting legislation and policies, consolidating partnerships and allowing women to influence locally and globally.

About Global Women’s Forum Dubai 2024

The Global Women’s Forum Dubai (GWFD) provides a platform to explore new strategies for enhancing gender balance and raising women’s participation in the economy and society worldwide. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, GWFD reflects the UAE’s leadership in advancing gender equality and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. Since its inception eight years ago, the forum has become a leading international gathering for fostering dialogue and collaboration to address challenges and opportunities for women worldwide. With a rich agenda featuring diverse discussions, transformative workshops, and impactful speakers, GWFD brings together thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators to inspire progress toward building a more inclusive and sustainable future. The 2024 edition of GWFD, themed The Power of Influence, takes place on November 26-27 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, gathering over 4,000 participants, 250 speakers and 25 prominent figures and ministers from across the globe. The 130 panel discussions at the forum centre on three pillars: Future Economies and Societies, Collective Engagements and Actions, and Impactful Technologies and Innovations.