On International Youth Day, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people and supporting their role as community leaders. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed praised youth ambition and achievements, highlighting their vital contribution to the nation’s progress and global sustainable development goals.
Abu Dhabi: The UAE has joined nations around the world in celebrating International Youth Day, held this year under the theme “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond”. The annual observance highlights the critical role of young people in advancing sustainable development goals and building vibrant, resilient communities.
The occasion served as an opportunity for the UAE to reaffirm its pledge to support young leaders, providing them with the resources, opportunities, and platforms they need to make a lasting positive impact.
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On the occasion, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan shared a special message via his official X account, saying:
“On International Youth Day, we celebrate the ambition and achievements of youth in fostering a better future for all. Recognising their important role in our nation’s continued advancement, the UAE remains committed to empowering youth to serve as leaders in their communities and contribute to our collective progress.”
The message underscores the UAE’s belief that empowering the next generation is not only vital for the country’s own development, but also for contributing to global stability and prosperity.
Over the years, the UAE has introduced a series of initiatives to enable young people to play an active role in decision-making, innovation, and social development. From establishing the Federal Youth Authority to appointing a Minister of State for Youth Affairs, the country has ensured that young voices are represented at the highest levels of governance.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UAE continues to encourage youth participation in areas such as climate action, technology, entrepreneurship, and community service.
The UAE’s youth empowerment strategy focuses on three key pillars:
Skills Development – Providing education, training, and mentorship to prepare youth for leadership roles.
Active Participation – Involving youth in policymaking and civic activities to foster a sense of responsibility and belonging.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Supporting startups and projects led by young innovators to boost economic growth and social impact.
Through partnerships with international organisations, the UAE also facilitates cross-cultural exchange programs, enabling its youth to collaborate with peers from other nations.
This year’s International Youth Day theme emphasises the importance of local initiatives in achieving global objectives. The UAE has demonstrated how grassroots efforts—such as youth-led sustainability projects, community volunteering, and social entrepreneurship—can contribute directly to the SDGs.
In recent years, Emirati youth have been at the forefront of environmental conservation, digital transformation, and humanitarian aid projects, earning global recognition for their contributions.
The UAE’s leadership has made it clear that its long-term vision for the country’s future depends heavily on the active participation of its young citizens. By continuing to invest in education, innovation, and leadership training, the nation aims to cultivate a generation of forward-thinking leaders who can navigate global challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
International Youth Day 2025 serves as both a celebration of current achievements and a call to action for the next chapter of youth leadership in the UAE.
