(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) The world celebrates International Youth Day, on 12th August every year under the theme "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production."
On this occasion, the UAE has confirmed its full support to the youth as it bets on them for the future to walk in the footsteps of the advanced world. Led by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE believes the youth are the backbone of development and progress in any society. They play a pivotal role in investment and progress, especially when their abilities get harnessed appropriately to achieve progress and renaissance. "Youth empowerment" is the title of all initiatives launched and pursued by the UAE in its journey to cross into the future. These have culminated with the appointment of a Minister of State for Youth Affairs in the cabinet of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Shaikh Mohammed stressed that governments cannot attain viable development for their people without a genuine partnership with the youth. The UAE's backing for young people stems from several factors, among others, the conviction of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, that youth are a genuine fortune for the homeland, its shield, its sword and the fence that protects the nation. Shaikh Zayed used to say, "We expect from young people what we do not expect from others. We hope they will deliver major achievements and great service to make this country a modern state that keeps abreast with the modern world." In his speech in December 2003, on the occasion of the National Day, he had said, "The national action does not stop at a point, and the responsibility now lies on your shoulders, Emirati youth, males and females, to turn opportunities that you have had into a starting point for more delivery of service to your nation and people." The youth have been one of the basic pillars of the empowerment phase launched by Shaikh Khalifa in 2005, which is deemed the second base in the premises of the UAE towards youth empowerment. The empowerment phase aims to enable citizens to become more engaged in the course of various social, political phases, productivity and cognitive life. It also aims to empower Emiratis to contribute effectively to all aspects of life. The national programme launched by Shaikh Khalifa also focusses on stepping up government efforts to invest in the nation's youth by detecting talent, developing innovative spirit and sensitising energies, as well as stepping up efforts to empower women to get involved in the sustainable development process on an equal footing with men. Shaikh Mohammed said, "Our country is founded on the arms of young people and will continue to build its future, depending on their skills and abilities. Our interest in youth is the interest in the future of this country. Providing opportunities for the youth stokes significant growth opportunities for our state." He added, "We have directed the Minister of State for Youth Affairs to listen to young people and convey to us solutions from the youth's perspective to enable the government to create a better environment for them so as to be able to realise their dreams and aspirations through what they see fit, and what they ask from government agencies." Shaikh Mohammed recently adopted a set of initiatives and programmes that included the creation of youth councils at the state level in co-ordination with local governments. He also launched an integrated guide of Emirati youth values to become main reference for educational and information materials to enrich youth consciousness. In June, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, stressed, while receiving the Emirati Youth Council members, that the UAE, led by the president, takes interest in the youth being active engine for development process and future of the nation. He referred to the confidence of the people of the UAE and its leadership in youth energies, skills and potential in promoting the cultural and urban development of the state by enabling them to play leadership roles in the development process. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi added that the young people have proven their merit, resolve and determination through active participation in brainstorming to launch initiatives and projects in various fields, and keep abreast with the latest developments in the service of the homeland. He called for optimal investment of the capabilities of young people in line with sublime objectives that the state seeks to achieve. Shaikh Mohammed said the council is one of the important initiatives that seeks to create a favourable environment to brainstorm for youth issues, visions and aspirations for the present and future in order to come up with practical and innovative ideas. Shamma bint Sohail Faris AlMazrui, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said on this occasion that young people in any society are the energy and the main driver of innovation and sustainable development. "Today, the UAE national and world youth observe this occasion, which represents an important incentive for them to work for promising future and face all challenges and have achievements in all fields to promote development," she added. She noted during a ceremony organised yesterday by the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare, on the occasion, "The leadership of the country sums its vision for young people in three words: youth are future." AlMazrui said, "Since 1971, every day has been a day for young people, and every day we remember what it means to be the children of Zayed." On 17th December, 1999, in its resolution 54/120, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the recommendation made by the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth (Lisbon, 8th to 12th August, 1998) that 12th August be declared International Youth Day. The theme of the 2016 International Youth Day is "The Road to 2030: Eradicating Poverty and Achieving Sustainable Consumption and Production". This year's it is about achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It focusses on the leading role of young people in ensuring poverty eradication and achieving sustainable development through sustainable consumption and production. Sustainable consumption entails the use of products and services that meet the basic needs of communities while safeguarding the needs of future generations. The development and promotion of individual choices and actions that increase the eco-efficiency of consumption of all and minimise waste and pollution is critical to achieving equitable socio-economic development.
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