Nahyan bin Mubarak: UAE President keen to create a social, economic and cultural environment to empower Emirati youth
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, affirmed that UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is deeply committed to nurturing freedom of thought, enquiry, creativity and achievement among Emirati youth.His Highness also places strong emphasis on academic excellence, virtuous upbringing, and steadfast faith, he added.Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak's remarks came during a lecture to over 400 Emirati university students — members of National Identity Clubs, Tolerance Clubs, youth councils, and government tolerance committees — hosted at the Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities as part of the summer programmes organised by Sandooq Al Watan.'His Highness the President of the UAE embodies before us every day a significant set of essential elements of the UAE's successful journey. These include a full understanding of the nation's goals and its prestigious position in the region and the world; pride in its history and heritage; and the conviction that tolerance, dialogue, and positive interaction with others pave the way to the country's development and deepening its contribution to global progress,' Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said.During the event, the minister honoured 21 government and private institutions that partnered with Sandooq Al Watan in support of its 2024 summer programmes.The gathering also featured a panel discussion titled 'Role Models and National Identity' and a brainstorming session 'From Values to Action', engaging over 200 young Emiratis in dialogue and collaborative thinking.
Youth at the Heart of Nation BuildingIn his address, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak emphasised that initiatives uniting champions of national identity and ambassadors of tolerance reflect the UAE's foundational values. 'Tolerance, coexistence, and noble human values form the solid foundation of our identity,' he said, expressing his confidence in the youth's ability to contribute meaningfully to society and humanity.He commended university clubs focused on identity and tolerance for fostering leadership and civic engagement rooted in integrity, cooperation, and a commitment to the nation's aspirations.'I am very proud of the efforts of the National Identity and Tolerance Clubs at universities and colleges to develop leadership qualities and productive community work among male and female students. This is within the framework of embodying the authentic student spirit, which is based on good morals, positive interaction, and good behaviour. This is in addition to building a well-rounded personality, accustoming ourselves to working within a team, and strengthening our connection to the nation's goals and objectives,' he said.Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak lauded the youth's awareness of their responsibilities as role models, urging them to draw strength from the UAE's deep-rooted heritage, embrace principled thinking, and serve as agents of progress and unity in their communities.Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: 'We, at Sandooq Al Watan and the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, are working to ensure that National Identity and Tolerance Clubs in universities and colleges provide ample opportunities to develop the important capabilities and skills of their members, including a clear vision of the goal, the ability to work with others, and a desire to achieve and excel in creativity and innovation, in addition to being equipped with good morals and a commitment to human values and principles.'In this endeavour, we have a good example, clearly embodied in the words and actions of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His Highness is keen to create a social, economic, and cultural environment that encourages the empowerment of the nation's sons and daughters.'He praised His Highness for his ability to navigate global developments with wisdom; protect the environment; promote sustainable development; and advance the UAE's soft power, in addition to continuous efforts to make the UAE an oasis of security, safety and stability.'His Highness the President emphasises to us the importance of pride in the national identity, which is essentially pride in roots, pride in the achievements of fathers and grandfathers, and pride in the values and principles that shape the state's journey in all fields.'Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak encouraged the youth to maintain a clear vision for the future, define purposeful goals, pursue innovation, and embody confidence in themselves, their nation, and leadership.'You have great opportunities before you to achieve stability and development for your country, provided you believe in the enormity of your responsibility and live up to the expectations of society in terms of performance, commitment, and seriousness. Each of you has the right to be proud of your affiliation with this beloved country, which spares no effort in supporting you in achieving your goals, which emanate from the nation's goals and supreme interests on the path to integrated development,' he said.Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: 'We in the UAE are now celebrating the Year of Community. On this occasion, the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, in cooperation with Sandooq Al Watan, has launched the 'Our Life in the UAE' competition, which represents an invitation to everyone living on this blessed land to express, in writing, their feelings about their lives in this pioneering country.'He urged members of National Identity and Tolerance Clubs to actively participate in these effort to ensure the initiative's a success.
Partners in EmpowermentInstitutions honoured for their contributions to Sandooq Al Watan summer programmes included: Al Rostamani Group, the National Library and Archives, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Family Development Foundation, Emirates Red Crescent, Aletihad Newspaper, ADNOC, Ministry of Education, Community Development Authority–Dubai, Department of Culture and Tourism (House of Artisans), Ministry of Culture, Federal Youth Authority, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, Etisalat, Dubai National Theatre, Emirates News Agency (WAM), Emirates Foundation, General Authority of Islamic Affairs ,Endowments, and Zakat, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi Municipality, and the Abu Dhabi Youth Council.
Panel SessionThe panel session 'The Role Models and National Identity' focused on the theme 'A Strong and Sustainable National Identity Built on Responsibility, Empowerment, and Productivity'. The panel explored how the youth can preserve and elevate national identity through values-based leadership. Discussions focused on strengthening dialogue among youth councils, inspiring meaningful initiatives, and emphasisng values such as Arabic language preservation, religious awareness, and cultural pride.Panellists included Dr. Maitha Saif bin Kanish Al Hamli, expert in political awareness among Emirati women; Dr. Abdulrahman Al Ansari, Head of Fatwa and Civilizational Ijtihad Department; Dr. Saad Al-Wadami from the Abu Dhabi Youth Council; writer Faisal Mohammed Al Shamsi; and Dr. Aisha Al Shamsi, Head of Arabic Language at MBZUH. The session was moderated by Ibrahim Talal Al Blooshi, member of the Nafis Youth Council.
The brainstorming session, 'From Values to Action,' was attended by more than 200 Emirati youth, exploring youth initiatives focused on media and content creation, community service and volunteering, role models and identity, and education.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
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