(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) In a view of Development & Growth of the Nation DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) has organized a youth circle session in the presence of Shamma bint Sohail Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Youth Affairs at Zabeel Park on May 22. The session was carried out under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
An initiative to encourage the participation of the youth in building the future of the country kicked off with a brainstorming session of challenges, solutions and suggestions by the next generation. Young menand women actively presented their views and ideas before the Minister that could help the government to provide them better environment to realize their dreams and aspirations and enable them to play a key role in UAE's Development. "The UAE is a young country and its leadership depends on the youth in building the future, this session is one of the tools adopted by the government to achieve this goal as it focuses on the most important issues for the future. Sustainability is one of the key pillars for the future that are important, especially for us as young people. We are the ones who bear the results of the dependence on fossil fuels. Nonetheless, we will be the ones to reap the benefits of sustainability," said Al Mazrouei. Constructive ideas by evolving talents enriched the discussion and lead to a more mature debate on creating a sustainable world as it is not the responsibility of the government alone. Al Mazrouei added "Each one of us is responsible to support the UAE's efforts to implement sustainability programs. Young people are the renewable energy, generating innovative ideas and coming up with the solutions to meet the challenges of the future." With a vision to achieve the Dubai Plan 2021 government and the youth of the Nation walk hand in hand to create a city of happy, creative and empowered people. DEWA focuses on becoming a world class utility and to achieve the strategy to reduce carbon emissions in Dubai by 16% by 2021. Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA explains "We contribute to the sustainability of Dubai while focusing on the three main elements of environment sustainability, social and economical sustainability in energy and green economy, to increase Dubai's power output from clean energy sources to 7% by 2020, 25% by 2030 and 75% by 2050". DEWA aims to achieve this through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar park, the largest single-site project to generate electricity from solar energy in the world. It will produce 5,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030. The solar park will help reduce 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Today's youth are the leaders of tomorrow, thinking collectively and having open dialogues leads to ultimate success. And, as this is the age of social media, it becomes easier for young people to spread awareness and alertness in the society. To accomplish their mission, young minds alsomentioned producing short videos and light entertainment programs. Participation of private sector and development of smart apps for sustainability was also discussed at the event.