The ambassador gave the advice on November 16, 2020, during a visit to the university where he talked to students about youth development projects in his country and how they have improved their livelihoods.
The Ambassador said that the UAE Government fully believes that the empowerment of youth is vital in enabling young people to shoulder responsibilities, innovate and contribute to the welfare of the community.
'The government has a vision & strategy for its young population, and for that very reason it embarked to diversify its economy by creating new jobs for UAE youth in private and government sectors,' he said.
'We have 10 out of 34 young Emiratis as ministers in the cabinet, let alone the many Undersecretaries, CEOs, and so on.'
The Ambassador explained that in February this year, the UAE's Cabinet approved 33 young Emiratis as members of the boards of directors for key federal entities.
The young board members will undergo intense training as they enjoy similar privileges and benefits as other established board members. The government subsidizes private sector companies if they employ UAE youth by making sure that they receive same benefits as their peers who work in the public sector.
'In 2016, the Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai announced the establishment of the Emirates Youth Councils, which aim to represent the ideas and aspirations of Emirati youth and provide innovative solutions in government.'
He shared a quote from the Vice President & Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum saying 'The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it. It is not something you await but rather create'
He explained that the Ministry of Education offers youth scholarships in a number of different fields such as Medicine & Health Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Science &Energy, adding that the UAE government has extended support in the same through Rwanda's Ministry of Education, offering scholarships to best high school performers to pursue their bachelor's degree programs at top universities in the UAE.
'The UAE Government launched several career development & support programs to empower the youth. The different career centers offer free career counseling and workshops that provide Emirati youth with tools to become better prepared for work. The career centers are now found in every university in the UAE.
Nicole Kamanzi M.
