President Sheikh Mohamed urges nation's youth to help build better future

President Sheikh Mohamed has paid tribute to the "ambition and achievements" of the nation's next generation in a message to mark International Youth Day.

The UAE leader highlighted the crucial role young people have to play in forging a “better future for all” and said the Emirates remained committed to providing a launch pad for their aspirations.

The UAE has long placed a strong emphasis on harnessing the potential of its youth and to equip them with the tools to serve as the leaders of tomorrow.

“On International Youth Day, we celebrate the ambition and achievements of youth in fostering a better future for all,” Sheikh Mohamed said in a message on X.

“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.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the UAE's youth were at the heart of the country's progressive vision.

"To all our youth, the sons and daughters of the homeland, we say: You are the fuel, the spirit, and the driving force of our progress," Sheikh Mohammed said on X.

The UAE is investing heavily in education to help shape the country's brightest young minds and is promoting careers of the future in sectors such as coding and artificial intelligence.

The country also has a ministerial position in its Cabinet dedicated to championing young people.

International Youth Day, established by the UN in 2000, is observed on August 12 each year.

This year's event aims to shine a light on the efforts of young people around the world in helping countries achieve sustainable development goals and their work in bringing about change in their communities.

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed, chairwoman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, spoke about the capability of young people to change the world for the better, the emirate's media office reported.

"Through their creativity, effortless ease as communicators and spirit of collaboration, the youth are redefining progress, making it more inclusive, inventive and responsive to the challenges the world faces," she said.

Across the UAE, she added, "young people are transforming global challenges into local opportunities, weaving hope into policy and progress into the fabric of daily life".