Young voices taking center stage: The impact of the adolescent populace
In the spirit of International Youth Day 2021, which focuses on 'Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond', the youth of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are making a significant impact in transforming global challenges into local opportunities.
Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), and a contributor to Gulf News, encourages listening to, investing in, and walking alongside young people, as they lead the way towards progress. She sees a similar spirit in the youth of the UAE, characterized by courage, creativity, and determination to build a better future.
One of the most prominent platforms for these young changemakers is the Youth Dialogue Forum (YDF) 2025 in Dubai. This forum empowers young leaders focused on community development, sustainability, and youth empowerment, providing them with leadership training, skills, and networking opportunities to drive positive change aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These young leaders often engage with key institutions like the United Nations, UAE Ministry of Youth, and climate leadership initiatives, highlighting their active role in shaping climate action and sustainability agendas within the UAE. Events such as the World Youth Leadership Summit and various leadership workshops in Dubai also foster these changemakers by offering global networking, cultural exchange, and real-world insights on sustainability and development.
While specific individual names are not listed in the available search results, the prominent platforms mentioned—Youth Dialogue Forum, collaborations with the UN and Ministry of Youth, and leadership summits—showcase the UAE's vibrant ecosystem of young advocates dedicated to SDG progress, many of whom are university students and young professionals aged 15 and above participating across sectors.
Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who recently opened the 'Reading for Pleasure' conference, emphasizes the importance of innovation grounded in empathy, stating that it can transform entire systems from the ground up. This sentiment is reflected in the numerous youth-led initiatives across the UAE, such as student-led climate solutions, neighborhood coding programs, and grassroots art initiatives.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, encapsulates this spirit when he says, "Our value in life is defined by what we do." The unique model of Dubai, presented at the World Economic Forum (WEF), Davos, serves as a testament to the UAE's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, empathy, and action among its youth.
In conclusion, the notable young changemakers in the UAE are actively involved in shaping a better world for the SDGs. Through platforms like the Youth Dialogue Forum, youth climate leadership initiatives, and leadership summits held in Dubai, these young leaders are empowered to impact community development, sustainability, and youth empowerment across the region. Their work serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable and progressive future.
- The news of youth-led initiatives in the UAE shows the significant impact they are having in shaping a sustainable and progressive future, mirroring Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's opinion that the youth are leading the way towards progress.
- These active young leaders in the UAE, as seen in platforms like the Youth Dialogue Forum, are not only focusing on community development and sustainability but also on personal growth and education-and-self-development, as they aim to drive positive change that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.
- The lifestyle of the UAE's youth reflects a culture of innovation, empathy, and action, with many young changemakers engaging in initiatives like student-led climate solutions, neighborhood coding programs, and grassroots art initiatives, as encouraged by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
